van halen died from a stroke caused by throat cancer at saint john's health center in santa monica, california on october 6, 2020, at the age of 65 surrounded by his wife, janie; son and van halen bassist, wolfgang; ex-wife valerie bertinelli; and brother, alex; co-founder and drummer of van halen. some of van halen's childhood landmarks in pasadena became memorials where fans could pay their respects.