Medical examiner confirms Cornell suicide

10:14 am on 19 May 2017

Singer Chris Cornell died as a result of hanging himself, US officials have confirmed.

Chris Cornell performing at Roma Auditorium Parco della Musica, Italy in April last year. Photo: AFP

Cornell was found dead after performing in a concert with his band, Soundgarden, in Detroit on Wednesday evening.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed in a statement the frontman, who also sang for the band Audioslave, had taken his own life.

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The medical examiner's office said on Thursday: "The cause of death has been determined as hanging by suicide. A full autopsy report has not yet been completed."

In an earlier statement, Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery had said his death was "sudden and unexpected".

It also said the family would be working closely with the medical examiner and asked for privacy.

The Soundgarden show was part of a wider tour and the group had a number of live dates scheduled for later this month.

Last year, the band confirmed they were returning to the studio to record new material and a tour was announced for this year.

Cornell himself tweeted about the show on Wednesday evening, writing: "Finally back to Rock City!"

Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of @chriscornell. A great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man. pic.twitter.com/Hwdgst8kmg
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 18, 2017