Toxicology results reveal that Chris Cornell had multiple drugs in his system and was administered Narcan on the night of his death.
The late Soundgarden frontman was found dead by hanging on May 17 in his Detroit hotel room after playing a concert in the city.
According to TMZ, Cornell had multiple prescription and over-the-counter drugs in his system: the sedative Butalbital, Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), and 4 Ativan pills, in addition to the Narcan — a drug to treat suspected overdoses — which is believed to have caused track marks found on his arms.
His wife, Vicky Karayiannis, has expressed her shock in disbelief in public comments about her husband’s death, saying she believes Chris would not have chosen to take his own life.
Vicky released a statement in response to the toxicology report:
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.
Sources told TMZ that Cornell’s family believes he did not intend to take his own life, and did not know what he was doing. The source said some of the family members think the medical examiner “jumped to conclusions” in the suicide ruling.
Source: Associated Press