Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron is paying tribute to the late Chris Cornell in the first public statement offered by a surviving member of the legendary Seattle band.
“My dark knight is gone,” writes Cameron on Facebook. “Thank you for the incredible outpouring of kindness and love.”
Cornell died at a Detroit hotel on May 17 following a Soundgarden concert at the city’s Fox Theatre during their spring tour of North America.
The singer’s death has been ruled a suicide by hanging following an initial autopsy by The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, with a full report to follow at a later date.
“What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details,” said Vicky Cornell in a statement. “I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life.”
“Without the results of toxicology tests, we do not know what was going on with Chris - or if any substances contributed to his demise,” said Cornell family attorney Kirk Pasich in a statement. “Chris, a recovering addict, had a prescription for Ativan and might’ve taken more than the recommended dosage.
“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.”
Cornell will be laid to rest during a private service in Los Angeles on Friday, May 26, with his attorney Kirk Pasich saying that “one or more public memorials will be considered” as the Cornell family deals with their sudden loss.
See also:
Chris Cornell funeral plans revealed
Soundgarden: Chris Cornell death detailed in police report
Chris Cornell’s wife issues statement following Soundgarden singer’s death
VIDEO: Watch Chris Cornell’s final performance with Soundgarden
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic
