How Did Bruce Lee Die, the legendary martial artist and actor, died on July 20, 1973, at the age of 32. His sudden death was due to cerebral edema, a swelling of the brain, which was triggered by an adverse reaction to a painkiller called Equagesic. Despite various conspiracy theories surrounding his death, the official cause remains an allergic reaction. Bruce Lee's untimely passing left a significant impact on the martial arts and film industries, but his legacy continues to inspire millions.