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Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, died in Detroit in May 2017 at age 52, after performing with Soundgarden. On May 18, the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that it had determined the cause of death as hanging by suicide, while noting that its full autopsy report was not yet complete. Cornell’s family later said it believed he did not intend to take his life; that was the family’s view, not a medical finding.
What authorities reported about Chris Cornell’s death
Soundgarden performed in Detroit on May 17, 2017. Cornell died after the performance. His representative, Brian Bumbery, described the death as “sudden and unexpected,” according to CBS News.
On May 18, the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office announced its initial determination. CBS reported the office’s statement: “The cause of death has been determined as hanging by suicide. A full autopsy report has not yet been completed. There is no additional information at this time.” The statement gave the cause of death while making clear that the full report was still pending.
What Cornell’s family said
On May 19, Vicky Cornell and the family publicly questioned whether Cornell intended to take his life and said they hoped further medical information would clarify what happened. Vicky Cornell said, as quoted by The Guardian: “What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details. I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life.”
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The family also raised the possibility that medication affected his judgment and wanted toxicology information before drawing conclusions. That was the family’s belief and request for further information; it did not replace or revise the medical examiner’s reported determination. The contemporaneous accounts reflect separate statements made on different days, and they do not establish a medical explanation for the family’s concern.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who Chris Cornell was
Cornell fronted Soundgarden, a band rooted in the Pacific Northwest grunge scene, and later Audioslave. In 1991, he recorded an album with members of Pearl Jam under the name Temple of the Dog. The Guardian and the Los Angeles Times place him among the defining hard-rock and grunge musicians of the 1990s.
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For a related listen, Temple of the Dog’s self-titled 1991 album brings Cornell together with musicians who would become part of Pearl Jam. Current formats and availability vary by seller.
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