Audioslave and Soundgarden Frontman Chris Cornell Dies at 52, Stars React

The music world has lost another great. Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell has died at the age of 52, his rep, Brian Bumbery, tells ET in a statement.

Cornell had been on tour with Soundgarden when he died unexpectedly in Detroit on Wednesday.

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Bumbery called the death “sudden and unexpected,” and notes that a cause of death is unknown at this time. The rep said that Cornell’s wife and family are shocked by the news and asking for privacy.

"They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time," Bumbery said in a statement. 

Police are investigating Cornell's death as an apparent suicide, a spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department tells ET.

Cornell was one of the biggest voices in the ‘90s grunge movement. Though Soundgarden disbanded in 1997, they reunited in 2012. He also fronted the group Audioslave, which disbanded in 2007.

In addition to his work with these groups, Cornell also released four solo albums and a live album of his own work.

Shortly after the news of Cornell’s death hit the Internet, fellow musicians and fans took to Twitter to honor him.

Actor Will Sasso wrote, “His voice pulverized all classification, forever otherworldly. My heart goes out to his family. RIP Chris Cornell.”

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Gavin Rossdale tweeted, “I AM SO SADDENED BY CHRIS CORNELL PASSING. @soundgarden TOTAL SHOCK. GREAT MAN. GREAT BAND. GREAT LOSS. LOVE TO EVERYONE IN HIS WORLD. XXX”

Jimmy Page added, “RIP Chris Cornell. Incredibly Talented. Incredibly Young. Incredibly Missed.”

For more, watch the clip below.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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