Entertainment

Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell has died aged 52

His family has thanked his fans following the shock news and asked for privacy at this difficult time.
His family has thanked his fans following the shock news and asked for privacy at this difficult time. His family has thanked his fans following the shock news and asked for privacy at this difficult time.

Rocker Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and later Audioslave, has died aged 52, according to his representative.

Cornell, who had been on tour, died on Wednesday night in Detroit, his representative Brian Bumbery said in a statement.

hris Cornell of Soundgarden performs at the Hard Rock Calling music festival in Hyde Park, London.
hris Cornell of Soundgarden performs at the Hard Rock Calling music festival in Hyde Park, London.
Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs at the Hard Rock Calling music festival in Hyde Park, London.

Bumbery called the death “sudden and unexpected” and said his wife and family were shocked.

The statement said the family would be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause and asked for privacy.

As the lead singer for Seattle-based Soundgarden, Cornell helped architect the 90s grunge rock movement. He was also a Grammy award-winning, Golden Globe-nominated singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer and lyricist.

In addition, Cornell became involved in philanthropy and started the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation to support children facing challenges, including homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect.