Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky, and family attorney Kirk Pasich released a joint statement on June 1 regarding the investigation into the Soundgarden’s singer’s death in a Detroit hotel on May 17.
The rocker’s passing was immediately ruled a suicide by hanging following an initial autopsy by The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, with a full report to follow.
Now, Pasich and Vicky Cornell are sharing an update on the status of their search for answers as they await the results of pending toxicology tests, fully aware that Chris had taken some prescribed anti-anxiety medicine, Ativan, shortly before he was found on the floor of the bathroom in his room by his security staff but not convinced that it was enough to result in his demise.
In a joint statement, Pasich confirmed that City of Detroit Law Department has denied a request his firm made under the Freedom of Information Act for reports relating to the singer’s death.
"Based on information provided by personnel from the City of Detroit Police Department (DPD) Homicide Section,” Pasich states, “it is our understanding that this matter is an open investigation. 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."
Pasich confirmed the Cornell family has not yet seen any of the police or toxicology reports, noting that the family remains mystified that the medical examiner announced a cause of death when the full autopsy report has not been completed.
Given the information above, Pasich added that the family hopes there will be an end to speculation about the cause of Mr. Cornell’s death while the family awaits the definitive and complete reports.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support as we mourn Chris’ passing,” says Vicky, “but we still have several unanswered questions about what led to his death. We believe the toxicology report will answer these questions.”
The rocker was laid to rest during a private memorial service at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on May 26.
Eulogies were delivered by Cornell’s Soundgarden bandmates Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron, Cornell’s Audioslave partner Tom Morello, Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and actor Josh Brolin.
Mourners included fewllow Seattle rockers Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell alongside James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, among others.
See also:
Chris Cornell’s brother posts tribute to the late Soundgarden singer
VIDEO: Guns N’ Roses perform Chris Cornell tribute in Ireland
Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell laid to rest in Hollywood
Chris Cornell’s widow writes letter to the late Soundgarden singer ahead of funeral
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic
