Chris Cornell‘s toxicology report has revealed that there were multiple prescription drugs in his system at the time of his death.
TMZ has obtained the report which states that Cornell had Naloxone (Narcan), Butalbital (sedative), Lorazepam (Ativan), Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) and barbiturates in his system.
Despite this, Michigan’s Wayne County Medical Examiner Theodore Brown said that after examining the autopsy and toxicology report, “drugs did not contribute to the cause of death.”
“It is my opinion that death was caused by hanging. Based on the circumstances surrounding this death and the autopsy findings, the manner of death is suicide,” he said in a post mortem report obtained by Rolling Stone.
He further echoed claims of the original police report surrounding the circumstances saying he was, “found partially suspended by a resistance exercise band in his hotel room.”
The injuries that contributed to his death, “were all consistent with hanging, partially suspended by the resistance exercise band.”
Cornell’s wife Vicky believed that there were “unanswered questions” that the toxicology report would answer.
Yesterday, Vicky said that she was “mystified that the medical examiner announced a cause of death when the full autopsy report has not been completed”.
Vicky said that before his death she had spoken to him on the phone and he had noted that, “he may have taken an extra Ativan or two.”
The medical examiner said that while the dosage he had taken was higher than the average, it was lower than the Ativan blood levels found in people whose death is due to the anxiety medication.
Vicky has since responded to the report telling TMZ, “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.”
She said that the family, “are heartbroken and are devastated that this moment can never be taken back.”
If you or anyone you know needs help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
