Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, died late Wednesday in Detroit. He was 52.
Cornell’s representative, Brian Bumbery, confirmed the singer’s death in a statement, describing it as “sudden and unexpected,” and Cornell’s family asked for privacy.
“Chris Cornell passed away late Wednesday night in Detroit, MI,” Bumbery said. “His wife, Vicky, and family were shocked to learn of his sudden and unexpected passing, and they will be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause. They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
According to reports, he was found dead in his hotel room in Detroit by a friend.
Cornell was born in Seattle in 1964 and became one of the most prominent and influential singers of ’90s grunge music. He formed Soundgarden in 1984 with Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto, who released two EPs before their first album, Ultramega OK, came out in 1990. They released several albums throughout the ’90s, with many of their hits, including “Black Hole Sun,” “Rusty Cage,” and “Spoonman,” becoming staples of the era.
After Soundgarden broke up, Cornell eventually joined Audioslave, a band which included Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, and released three albums.
He also had an impressive career as a solo artist, which includes writing and performing the theme song for the James Bond movie Casino Royale. More recently, he got back together with Soundgarden and was touring the country.
His death stunned the music world and fans of his music, who took to Twitter to remember him after they learned the news.
RIP Chris Cornell
— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) May 18, 2017
Incredibly Talented
Incredibly Young
Incredibly Missed. pic.twitter.com/pKNI4tKiXz
I AM SO SADDENED BY CHRIS CORNELL PASSING. @soundgarden
— GAVIN ROSSDALE (@GavinRossdale) May 18, 2017
TOTAL SHOCK.GREAT MAN.GREAT BAND.GREAT LOSS. LOVE TO EVERYONE IN HIS WORLD. XXX
https://twitter.com/DaveNavarro/status/865114181707616256
Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of @chriscornell. A great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man. pic.twitter.com/Hwdgst8kmg
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/ava/status/865147702488649728
While he promoted the original song he wrote for the film The Promise last month, he told CBS This Morning that a new Soundgarden album was in the works—although he didn’t put a timetable on when it would come out.
Last month @ChrisCornell sat down with @AnthonyMasonCBS. He told us he was working on a new @Soundgarden album. pic.twitter.com/2BxaemIkR7
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) May 18, 2017
Just hours before his death, Cornell and Soundgarden played at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, where fans watched what would be his last performance.
#Detroit finally back to Rock City!!!! @soundgarden #nomorebullshit pic.twitter.com/BqXx9veFoD
— Chris Cornell (@chriscornell) May 18, 2017
H/T NPR
Update 1:31pm CT, May 18: A medical examiner has ruled Cornell’s death a suicide by hanging. A full autopsy has yet to be completed.
Local papers reported earlier Thursday that Cornell was found with “a band around his neck,” citing a Detroit police spokesman, but a different police spokesman didn’t confirm the comment.
For more information about suicide prevention or to speak with someone confidentially, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) or Samaritans (U.K.).