Chris Cornell Toxicology Report Lists Several Prescription Drugs in Singer’s Body; Autopsy Report Reveals Details of His Death
Update: In an addition to the toxicology report, new details on the manner in which Chris Cornell died have been revealed in the autopsy report. Read below for more.
A toxicology report for Chris Cornell has been obtained by TMZ, and it reveals a multitude of prescription drugs in the late Soundgarden singer's body at the time of his death in a hotel room in Detroit.
As previously reported, Cornell's death was ruled a suicide by hanging by the medical examiner. Now, TMZ reveals that the toxicology report shows that Cornell had Naloxone (Narcan), Butalbital (sedative), Lorazepam (Ativan), Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) and barbiturates in his system, and apparently had taken four 1 mg Lorazepam tablets. However, the Narcan was apparently administered by EMTs in an effort to counteract the other drugs in Cornell's system.
The toxicology report did not change the official ruling by the Wayne County Medical Examiner, as the autopsy report released Friday stated, "These drugs did not contribute to the cause of death,” according to the New York Daily News.
The coroner revealed that Cornell was found “partially suspended” with a “resistance exercise band” tied around his neck. The report added, “The security guard had to kick in the decedent’s locked hotel room door and locked bedroom door. The security guard released the resistance band exercise band from the top of the door, loosened [it] around the decedent’s neck and began resuscitative efforts. Despite resuscitation, the decedent was pronounced dead at the scene ... no other injuries or any diseases [were] present that contributed to death. The manner of death is suicide.”
In response to TMZ's report of the toxicology results, Cornell's widow, Vicky, issued the following statement:
Many of us who know Chris well, noticed that he wasn’t himself during his final hours and that something was very off. We have learned from this report that several substances were found in his system. After so many years of sobriety, this moment of terrible judgement seems to have completely impaired and altered his state of mind.
Something clearly went terribly wrong and my children and I are heartbroken and are devastated that this moment can never be taken back. We very much appreciate all of the love we have received during this extremely difficult time and are dedicated to helping others in preventing this type of tragedy.
The news comes after Vicky and the family's legal team had questioned the medical examiner's quick ruling that Cornell's death was a suicide by hanging. This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.
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