Chris Cornell's Death Is Being Investigated As A Suicide

Sad news from the world of music this week. On Thursday morning, news broke that Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell died at 52 on Wednesday night after performing a show in Detroit with the band. It's certainly sudden, given his age, and so far his cause of death is unclear, although police are currently investigating as a possible suicide, according to the Associated Press.

UPDATE: According to the Associated Press, the medical examiner has determined that Cornell committed suicide by hanging. E! News reports that the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office further explained that "a full autopsy report has not yet been completed."

EARLIER: Since this story is still developing, there haven't been many details released about his death quite yet. But in a statement issued by Cornell's rep, Brian Bumbery, losing Cornell was both "sudden and unexpected," adding that his family is in shock.

Thursday morning, Michael Woody, a spokesman for the Detroit police, told the Associated Press that there were "basic things observed at the scene" that have led them to treat their investigation as if Cornell's death could be a suicide, although he couldn't share more information at this time. The AP added that the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office will determine his official cause of death.

Before his performance on Wednesday night, Cornell tweeted about how excited he was to be back in Detroit.

Woody added that Cornell was found when his wife asked a friend to check on him where he was staying at the MGM Grand Hotel. The friend had to force the door open and then found Cornell on the bathroom floor.

While Cornell is gone, it's obvious that his music — and influence on rock and grunge in general — will live on. Hopefully, the investigation into his death will be able to be completed quickly to provide answers for his family in what has to be a very difficult time.