How Did Chris Cornell Die?
Chris Cornell died of Suicide by hanging on May 18, 2017, at age 52.
What was Chris Cornell's cause of death?
Chris Cornell died on May 18, 2017, at age 52. He was found dead in his Detroit hotel room after performing with Soundgarden. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. His family disputed the manner of death, suggesting the anti-anxiety medication Ativan may have contributed to his state of mind.
How old was Chris Cornell when they died?
Chris Cornell was 52 years old at the time of death.
When did Chris Cornell die?
Chris Cornell died on May 18, 2017.
Chris Cornell Biography
Christopher John Cornell was born on July 20, 1964, in Seattle, Washington. He formed Soundgarden in 1984 and became one of the defining voices of the grunge movement. Black Hole Sun is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1990s. He also fronted Audioslave with members of Rage Against the Machine.
Personal Life
Who are Chris Cornell's parents?
Edward Cornell, Karen Cornell
Was Chris Cornell married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Silver | 1990 | 2004 |
| Vicky Karayiannis | 2004 | N/A |
Did Chris Cornell have children?
Chris Cornell had 3 children: Lillian Jean Cornell, Christopher Nicholas Cornell, Toni Cornell.
What religion was Chris Cornell?
Chris Cornell was N/A.
What was Chris Cornell's ethnicity?
Chris Cornell was of American heritage.
Career Highlights
Awards
- Grammy Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Soundgarden)
Facts About Chris Cornell
- He had one of the widest vocal ranges in rock history — nearly 4 octaves
- His performance at the 2001 Concert for New York City after 9/11 is considered legendary
- He wrote You Know My Name, the James Bond theme for Casino Royale
- He struggled with addiction and depression throughout his life
Chris Cornell Quotes
"Be yourself. Don't worry about what people think of you or about being liked."
Legacy
Chris Cornell is considered one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. Soundgarden's Superunknown is a landmark grunge album. His death was a profound loss to the music world and sparked conversations about mental health among musicians.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-20