American musician, singer, and songwriter Chris Cornell, best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for Seattle rock band Soundgarden and as lead vocalist and songwriter for the group Audioslave, has died.
He was 52 years old.
The news was confirmed by his representative, Brian Bumbery, who told The Associated Press via a statement that Chris passed away on Wednesday night (US time) in Detroit. Bumbery called the death “sudden and unexpected” and said his wife and family were shocked by it.
The manner in which Chris died is not immediately known, but his family will be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause of death and asked for privacy.
UPDATE (19th May):
Chris Cornell’s death has been ruled a suicide by hanging, preliminary autopsy shows. According to ClickOnDetroit, the grunge rocker took his own life in a Detroit hotel bathroom.
Hours earlier, Chris performed with his band Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Detroit was Soundgarden’s 12th stop on their tour, and the band initially had 6 shows left on their tour schedule. However, Chris’ death has left an uncertain future for Soundgarden.
Watch the footage from Chris’ final show:
Meanwhile, The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office said “a full autopsy report has not yet been completed”.
More information to come.
Sources: AP, ClickOnDetroit, Billboard / Featured image: Universal Music Enterprises.
