What Was Maurice Gibb’s Cause of Death?

Maurice Gibb died in January 2003. His cause of death was volvulus, a complication of bowel obstruction (blockage) that causes twisting of the intestine. Gibb, 53, was a member of the Bee Gees, a pop band that was popular during the 1970s.

His family—including wife Yvonne, son Adam, and daughter Samantha—were at his bedside when Gibb died at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Both children are musicians themselves, recording alongside other children of the original Gibb brothers.

This article discusses the life and death of Maurice Gibb. It also addresses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of volvulus.

What Was Maurice Gibb's Cause of Death?

Gibb was rushed to the hospital after experiencing intense abdominal pain. The pain was due to a twisted section in his small intestine, called a volvulus. The twisting blocked the intestine and cut off its blood supply.

While awaiting surgery, Gibb reportedly went into cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. This weakened his condition.

Surgeons removed the damaged section of intestine. After surgery, Gibb was listed in "critical but stable" condition. However, he died at 1 a.m. the next morning.

Biography of Maurice Gibbs

The pop group the Bee Gees featured brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. The group became an international sensation in the 1970s.

Maurice Gibb played keyboard, guitar, bass, and percussion for the Bee Gees. He sang the high notes during three-part harmonies and wrote many of the band's hit songs.

During the 1980s, as disco music declined in popularity, the Bee Gees were taken less seriously. Today, though, they are considered musical pioneers. In 1997 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Of the five Gibb children, Barry Gibb and sister Lesley are the only surviving siblings. Lesley sang briefly with the group but Barry is considered the last surviving member of the Bee Gees.

Robin Gibb died on May 20, 2012. Andy, the youngest brother, died in 1988 of myocarditis, an inflammation that weakens heart muscle. Andy was a musician with a successful solo career. The Gibb siblings' mother, Barbara Gibb, died in 2016.

The Bee Gees had nine Billboard number-one hits. Their biggest hits include "How Deep Is Your Love?," "Stayin' Alive," and "You Should Be Dancing."

About Volvulus

Volvulus is one cause of an intestinal obstruction or blockage. It most often occurs in the sigmoid (which attaches to the rectum) and cecal sections (where the large intestine begins) in the colon. Older people tend to be more at risk, as are those who spend more time in bed or live in care facilities.

Volvulus can be a chronic, intermittent condition. Populations most affected by chronic volvulus, possibly because of increased fiber in the diet, include people living in:

• Africa
• The Middle East
• India
• South America
• Russia
• Eastern Europe

People with certain health conditions that affect or put pressure on the intestines, such as an enlarged colon or the congenital Hirschsprung's disease, may be more at risk for volvulus. This also includes people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

The obstruction may be diagnosed in a number of ways, including:

• X-rays
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan), where multiple x-ray images are combined to form a three-dimensional image
• Ultrasound, a scan that uses sound waves to create digital images of the abdomen

Treatment will vary. Non-surgical treatment in mild cases can include gastrointestinal decompression, fluid replacement, or treatment for infection or to correct electrolyte imbalance. However, when healthcare providers suspect volvulus, you are usually admitted to the hospital for surgery, typically when the bowel is completely blocked. Any damaged tissue must be removed.

Once a volvulus has happened, it is more likely to happen again. In most cases, there is no way to prevent a blockage.  

Summary

Maurice Gibb died in 2003 from complications of a bowel obstruction caused by volvulus, or twisting of the intestine. Gibb was a member of the Bee Gees, a pop band that was popular during the 1970s.

A bowel obstruction can have many causes, including tumors, hernias, and twisting of the bowel. In Gibb's case, surgery was not enough to save his life.

Bowel obstruction requires immediate medical attention. Patients may be treated with surgery or, in mild cases, other interventions. If treated promptly, most patients recover.