Rocklahoma Performer, Soundgarden Lead Singer Chris Cornell Found Dead

Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, has died at age 52, and police said Thursday that his death is being investigated as a possible suicide. 

Cornell, who had been on tour, died Wednesday night in Detroit, his representative Brian Bumbery said in a statement to The Associated Press. Cornell had performed a Detroit concert with Soundgarden that night.

Bumbery called the death "sudden and unexpected" and said his wife and family were shocked by it. The statement said the family would be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause and asked for privacy.

Detroit police spokesman Michael Woody told AP Thursday morning that he couldn't release details about why police are investigating the death as a possible suicide, but noted there were "basic things observed at the scene."

Cornell died at the MGM Grand Detroit hotel, Woody said. He said Cornell's wife had called a family friend and asked him to check on Cornell; the friend forced open a hotel room door and found Cornell on the bathroom floor. 

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office will make an official determination about the cause of death.

News of Cornell's death prompted scores of tweets expressing sadness. Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry tweeted: "Very sad news about Chris Cornell today. A sad loss of a great talent to the world, his friends and family. Rest In Peace."

Cornell and Soundgarden were set to perform at Rocklahoma in Pryor next weekend. The band's set was scheduled for Saturday, May 27. Organizers posted the following statement on the event's Facebook page Thursday morning: 

"We are speechless to hear about the unexpected passing of Chris Cornell last night. He was a true musical legend that will be missed more than words can express. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the entire rock community."