The music industry and grunge music fans were shocked when news of Chris Cornell's death spread on Thursday. His sudden death came as a surprise to many, who were puzzled by the news. After all, the 52-year old just got off a successful show in Detroit on Wednesday and was in the middle of a tour with his band, Soundgarden, with several more stops towards the end of May. Only a mere hours later, the Associated Press reported that as per the medical examiner, Cornell took his own life by hanging himself in his hotel room at the MGM Grand Detroit.
Many were in shock, as the artist seemed to be in good spirits on what would be his last performance. His sudden death has now put middle-aged male suicide in the spotlight, shedding light on just how many American men aged 45 to 65 have in fact taken their lives.
Suicide rates in American men aged 45 to 65 are high
While Chris Cornell's suicide again underscores the importance of mental health, it also highlights just how many middle-aged men are affected by such issues and have fallen victim to suicide. NBC News reported that as per the Centers for Disease Control, about 93 out of the 121 suicides in America are those of men. More importantly, about 7 out of 10 suicides are by white men, aged 45 to 65 years old.
According to American Association of Suicidology president Julie Cerel, who is also a professor at the University of Kentucky School of Social Work, the fact that men by nature do not seek help from others make it more difficult for those suffering from mental health issues and other issues that bother them. She explained that most men think twice about getting professional help when it comes to such issues, which is why it's important for family members and friends to go the extra mile and look out for signs of suicidal tendencies and other mental health issues.
Chris Cornell's wife questions medical examiner reports
As per Rolling Stone, Chris Cornell's wife, Vicky released a statement explaining the events that led up to the artist's sudden death on Thursday. She thanked their supporters for their messages and for respecting their privacy and shared some details about her last conversation with her husband.
She explained that she was able to talk to Cornell right after the Detroit show and noticed that her husband was slurring his words. He admitted to taking an extra dose of an anxiety medication called Ativan, and when Vicky asked for security to check on her husband, that's when they forced open the door to his hotel room and found him lying lifeless in the bathroom. According to Vicky, "His world revolved around his family first and, of course, his music second...I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life." The family is awaiting "further medical reports" in the hopes that it would "provide additional details" as to whether other drugs or substances contributed to his untimely death.
