Chris Cornell‘s family say they are “mystified” that a medical examiner ruled the singer’s death a suicide when the full autopsy report had not yet been completed.
In a statement released today, attorney Kirk Pasich said that the family still has not seen the toxicology report, and that a Freedom of Information Act request for any reports around Cornell’s death had been denied.
“Based on information provided by personnel from the City of Detroit Police Department (DPD) Homicide Section, it is our understanding that this matter is an open investigation,” he said. “As such they believe that the release of any information at this time, including the records identified in your request, would compromise and/or interfere with their investigation.”
He noted that the family“remains mystified that the medical examiner announced a cause of death when the full autopsy report has not been completed”, and hoped that speculation around the singer’s death would cease while the reports are completed.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support as we mourn Chris’ passing, but we still have several unanswered questions about what led to his death,” said Cornell’s widow Vicky in the statement. “We believe the toxicology report will answer these questions.”
The Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman was found dead in his Detroit hotel room on last month at the age of 52.
Although his death was swiftly ruled a suicide by the city’s medical examiner, Vicky claimed at the time that the anxiety medication Ativan may have played a role.
“When we spoke after the show, I noticed he was slurring his words; he was different. When he told me he may have taken an extra Ativan or two, I contacted security and asked that they check on him. What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details. I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life.”
At the time, Pasich said:
“Without the results of toxicology tests, we do not know what was going on with Chris — or if any substances contributed to his demise. Chris, a recovering addict, had a prescription for Ativan and may have taken more Ativan than recommended dosages. The family believes that if Chris took his life, he did not know what he was doing, and that drugs or other substances may have affected his actions.”
Photo: Buda Mendes / Getty.
