Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Will Worley

Chris Cornell cause of death: Singer died after hanging himself, say medical examiners

Rock star Chris Cornell died after he hanged himself, medical officials in the US have said. 

The Soundgarden and Audioslave lead singer died in Detroit on Wednesday night, aged 52.

Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office said in a statement on Thursday afternoon: "The cause of death has been determined as hanging by suicide.

"A full autopsy report has not yet been completed." 

Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery called the death “sudden and unexpected”.

Michael Woody, a spokesman for the Detroit Police Department, said Cornell’s body was found unresponsive in his hotel room.

The rock singer had earlier played a concert in the city's Fox Theatre that evening.

Tributes from fellow muscians poured in on Thursday. Elton John said he was "shocked and saddened". He said Cornell was "a great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man".

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page said: "RIP Chris Cornell. Incredibly Talented. Incredibly Young. Incredibly Missed." 

Cornell was one of the most lauded and respected contemporary lead singers in rock music, thanks to his charismatic energy onstage and wide vocal range.

He was a leader of the grunge movement with Seattle-based Soundgarden - with whom he gained critical and commercial acclaim - but also found success outside the band with other projects, including Audioslave, Temple of the Dog as well as with solo albums. 

Additional reporting by AP

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.