Chris Cornell (Photo by Christopher Simon)
Update, 3:30 p.m. Thursday: The Wayne County Medical Examiner says Chris Cornell died Wednesday night from "suicide by hanging."
"A full autopsy report has not yet been completed," adds a statement. "There is no additional information at this time."
Cornell's wife had asked a family friend him to check on the singer, sources tell WDIV. The friend found the singer's body in a MGM Grand Detroit hotel bathroom.
Original post, earlier Thursday:
Rock star Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, who was known for his role as one of the architects of the grunge movement in the 1990s, died Wednesday night after performing at the Fox Theatre, a representative tells CNN.
Cornell, 52, was in Detroit performing with Soundgarden, which had embarked on a U.S. tour in April, CNN reports. His representative, Brian Bumbery, calls the passing "sudden and unexpected."
"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," a statement said. "They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."
The Grammy-winning rocker had performed Wednesday night at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry tweeted: “Very sad news about Chris Cornell today. A sad loss of a great talent to the world, his friends and family. Rest In Peace.”
Cornell was known for a nearly four-octave vocal range.
