Chris Cornell had prescription medication in system at time of death
[Photo by: Whitney Newell]
TMZ has uncovered a toxicology report that shows Chris Cornell had four different prescription drugs in his system when he died on May 18.
You can read his wife's response to this toxicology report below.
Read more: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Sour, Linkin Park, more pay tribute to Chris Cornell
TMZ has uncovered a toxicology report that shows Chris Cornell had four different prescription drugs in his system at his time of death, including Lorazepam (Ativan). Other drugs found in his system include Naloxone (Narcan), Butalbital (sedative), Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) and barbiturates.
It's important to note that Narcan was injected into Cornell by EMTs to “to counteract an opiate OD.”
Ativan was mentioned by both his wife Vicky and their attorney Kirk Pasich in their statements following Cornell's death. Pasich wrote, “Some medical literature indicates that Ativan can cause paranoid or suicidal thoughts, slurred speech and impaired judgment.”
Ativan was also mentioned in the police report as it was written that bodyguard Martin Kirsten gave Cornell two Ativan after helping the Soundgarden frontman with his computer.
Vicky Cornell has released a statement to TMZ following the release of this 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.”
Cornell was laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary with the likes of other influential musicians George Harrison, Dee Dee Ramone, and Johnny Ramone who have also been laid to rest there.
The music world is still mourning the loss of Chris Cornell, who passed away Wednesday, May 17 at the age of 52. Artists from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Linkin Park have paid tribute to the music icon, with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, who was a close friend and even godparent to one of Cornell's children, singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” for the mourners at Cornell's funeral.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there is help to be found. Please consider these online resources and talk to your regular doctor about your symptoms:
MentalHealth.gov – Get Immediate Help
ImAlive – Online Crisis Network
International Association For Suicide Prevention – Resources
The Anxiety And Depression Association Of America
The National Alliance On Mental Illness
American Psychiatric Association – Finding Help
National Institute Of Mental Health
American Psychological Association – Psychologist locator
