Chris Cornell, of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Dead at Only 52

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As reported widely this morning, former Soundgarden and Audioslave singer Chris Cornell has died. He was only 52. The cause of death is unclear at the moment; Billboard and several other outlets are reporting that the Detroit Police are investigating his death as a “possible suicide,” but nothing further has been confirmed. Cornell’s spokesman called the death “sudden and unexpected,” and Soundgarden played a show last night in Detroit, during which Cornell was reportedly in “high spirits.” The singer was found unresponsive in his hotel not long after the show’s conclusion.

There’s really not much more to say here: Flavorwire is as shocked by Cornell’s death as everyone else. As is the case for many Gen Xers, Cornell’s voice was a huge part of my adolescent years, and for him to die so young is genuinely tragic. We send our condolences to his wife and family.

Update: The Associated Press confirms that a medical examiner declared Cornell’s death a suicide, though a “full autopsy report was not yet completed Thursday afternoon.”

If you’re thinking about suicide, please read Suicide Help or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the U.S. To find a suicide helpline outside the U.S., visit IASP or Suicide.org.