Chris Cornell’s toxicology reports revealed; singer had several drugs in his system

TMZ has revealed that Chris Cornell’s toxicology report is completed and shows the singer was using prescription drugs at the time of his death. Accordingto the report, Cornell had Naloxone (Narcan), Butalbital (a sedative), Lorazepan (Ativan), Pseudoephdrine (a decongestant), and barbiturates in his system when he was found dead May 18 in Detroit after a Soundgarden performance.

Shortly after his death, Cornell’s widow Vicky Cornell released a statement questioning the cause of death, which was revealed to be suicide. She claimed it was not intentional and that his anti-anxiety medicine, Ativan, may have had something to do with it. She believes the medication clouded his judgement and caused him to take his life. The medication is known to have a side effect of suicidal thoughts. Read her statement here.

Cornell’s lawyer, Kirk Pasich, released his own statement Thursday (June 1) saying Vicky was “mystified that the medical examiner announced a cause of death when the full autopsy report has not been completed.”

“Chris, a recovering addict, had a prescription for Ativan and may have taken more Ativan than recommended dosages,” Pasich said in a statement. “The family believes that if Chris took his life, he did not know what he was doing, and that drugs or other substances may have affected his actions.”

The toxicology report showed Cornell ingested four Ativan tablets.

A funeral was held for Cornell May 26 at the Forever Hollywood cemetery in Los Angeles, CA. His friends, family, and fellow bandmates attended to pay their respects. After the private service, fans held a public memorial at his grave site. On May 23, Cornell’s remains were cremated ahead of the service.

 

Ashley Perez Hollingsworth

Ashley Perez is a freelance music journalist based in Chicago. Her work has appeared on AXS, Chicago Innerview, New City, The Millions, and Illinois Entertainer. She also runs her own music blog at Radio Not Found. Some of her favorite bands include Nirvana, The Cure, Muse, Creeper, and Green Day.

1 thought on “Chris Cornell’s toxicology reports revealed; singer had several drugs in his system

  • Karen Jones Trinkwald
    3. June 2017 at 03:38
    Permalink

    I’m on several scripts myself, but I had to see my doc. and so I got one that said, “you won’t even know if you overdose”! I basically laughed in his face, give me a break, I always know what i’m doing with all the scripts!

    Reply

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