Chris Cornell, Audioslave and Soundgarden lead singer, dies aged 52

His representative says the death was 'sudden and unexpected'

U.S. musician Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden and later Audioslave, died on Wednesday in Detroit, the Associated Press reported on Thursday. He was 52.

Cornell's family would be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause, the AP reported, citing a statement from representative Brian Bumbery. The Audioslave and Soundgarden lead singer's death was "sudden and unexpected", his representative Bumbery said.

Seattle-born Cornell won two Grammy awards in 1994 with rock band Soundgarden. As the lead singer for Seattle-based Soundgarden, Cornell helped architect the 90's grunge rock movement. He was also a Grammy award-winning, Golden Globe nominated singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer and lyricist.



In addition, Cornell became involved in philanthropy and started the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation to support children facing challenges, including homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect.

Cornell was still a working musician until very recently, and performed a show hours before he died. He was in the middle of a sold-out US tour, with six dates left remaining before its finish on May 27.

RIP @chriscornell one of the best & most distinct voices of our time

— SAFIA (@SAFIAmusic) May 18, 2017

Wow. R.I.P. @chriscornell. https://t.co/Qjkl1x8Jfn

— Papa Roach (@paparoach) May 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/dannyworsnop/status/865121453485764608

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.