Soundgarden's Chris Cornell dies hours after playing gig

It has been announced that Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, has passed away at the age of 52.

The star’s representative, Brian Bumbery, issued a statement to The Associated Press, confirming that Cornell died last night [Wednesday 17 May] in Detroit, Michigan, mere hours after he performed a sold-out concert with Soundgarden at Fox Theatre.

The cause of death is currently unknown, with the statement calling it “sudden and unexpected”, and Cornell had tweeted just eight hours ago to express his excitement for being in the city.

Cornell’s wife, Vicky Karayiannis, and family are said to be in shock and have asked for privacy whilst they work closely with a medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Soundgarden, also comprised of Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd, were due to continue their North American tour until their final show in Oklahoma on May 27.

One of the leading stars of the grunge movement, Cornell grew up in Seattle, Washington where he formed Soundgarden in 1984 – the first grunge band to sign with a major record label, leading the way for other groups such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

In 2001 he had success with a second band, Audioslave, with Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk.

Cornell is survived by three children, 17-year-old Lillian Jean, 13-year-old Toni, and 12-year-old Christopher.