Chris Cornell died Wednesday night in Detroit, said his representative, Brian Bumbery, in a statement that called the death “sudden and unexpected” and that said the singer’s family would be “working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause.” - via NY Times
UPDATE:
via Billboard, 'Police in Detroit tell Billboard that they are investigating Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell's death as a possible suicide, though it is too early in the investigation to determine the grunge icon's cause of death. The 52-year-old singer's body was found unresponsive in his Detroit hotel room at midnight on Thursday (May 18). Director Michael Woody of the Detroit Police Department's media relations said on Thursday morning that officers received a 911 call at midnight from an unnamed person at the MGM Grand Casino in downtown Detroit requesting assistance.
"When the units arrived they were met by a gentleman who indicated that Chris Cornell had been found in his room," Woody said. "When officers went to the room they found Chris Cornell laying in his bathroom, unresponsive and he had passed away. We are investigating it as a possible suicide but we need to wait on the medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death."'
(Read How Other Artists Are Handling the Sad News Today Below)
I am truly honored to have had many moments of radio with this man. Chris Cornell is soft spoken, smooth and truly genius. He was full of wisdom that anyone could feel when he walked into a room. His talent was endless. His voice was indigenous and he was part of a musical movement not many today will ever be able understand.
My heart is heavy with the news. RIP Chris.
In 2015, I spoke with Chris Cornell before the release of "Higher Ground," his fourth solo album.