DETROIT – The family of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell is refuting "inferences that Chris knowingly and intentionally" killed himself.
The family said in a statement that without toxicology tests completed, they can't be sure what led to his death, or if any substances were involved. According to lawyer Kirk Pasich, Cornell had a prescription for the anti-anxiety drug Ativan, which he said has various side effects.
The musician was found dead in his Detroit hotel room Wednesday after performing at a concert.
Cornell's wife, Vicky Cornell, said in the statement that when she spoke to her husband after the Detroit show, he told her he may have taken "an extra Ativan or two" and was slurring his words.
The medical examiner in Detroit said Cornell hanged himself. Police said the singer was found with a band around his neck.
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Here is video from Cornell's final show Wednesday night at the Fox Theatre in Detroit:
Sources told ClickOnDeroit Cornell's wife was concerned about him after the show. She called a family friend and told them to check on the singer who was staying at the MGM Detroit. That friend forced open the hotel room door where Cornell was found dead on the bathroom floor with a band around his neck.
Detroit was Soundgarden's 12th stop on their Spring 2017 tour. The band had six shows left on their tour schedule starting with Friday night's show in Columbus.