The family of rocker Chris Cornell is devastated after receiving news of his death. According to the Medical Examiner's office, he committed suicide by hanging himself in his Hotel Room. However, the family has disputed that report and said his death may have been accidental due to the effects of prescription drugs. Cornell was the lead vocalist for Soundgarden. He was found dead Wednesday night at the MGM Grand hotel in downtown Detroit. His body was discovered in the bathroom a few hours after his performance at the Fox Theatre.
Family members revealed singer took prescription pills
The Detroit police department has launched an investigation to ascertain what led to the death of the singer. However, sources close to the probe stated that the 52-year-old vocalist may have killed himself. A spokesperson for Cornell's relatives said they will be working closely with law enforcement officials to find out what caused the popular singer to take his own life.
Just hours before his death, he had been active on his social media account. On his fan page, he had posted updates about the band's performance and thanked his followers for their continual support. Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery released a press statement in which he stated that the rocker's death was "sudden and unexpected."
Detroit police spokesman Michael Woody said on Thursday upon their arrival at the crime scene that they found items that led them to believe he had hanged himself.
But, with a thorough investigation, he said they would be able to provide a more conclusive report.
Chris Cornell co-founded Soundgarden in 1984
Cornell's wife Vicky called a family friend to check on the singer after he complained of not feeling well. He was found dead on the bathroom floor when they forced their way into the hotel room.
His body was taken to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office, according to Wayne County spokeswoman Lisa Croff.
Born as Christopher John Boyle on July 20, 1964, the American musician was a vocalist and a songwriter. Cornell formed the rock band Soundgarden in 1984 with lead guitarist Kim Thayil and bassist Hiro Yamamoto.
The band's album "Superrunknown" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1994. In 1995, the album was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Rock Record.
Cornell left the band in 1997 and went on to pursue a solo career. He joined Audioslave in 2001. However, in 2010 he reunited with Soundgarden.
