After conducting an autopsy on Don Cornelius' body last Friday, February 3, Coroner's officials state that the music impresario killed himself with a gunshot to the head.
- Feb 8, 2012
AceShowbiz - Don Cornelius' death has been ruled a suicide by Coroner's officials. L.A. County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter confirms the determination, which was made after the agency conducted an autopsy on the "Soul Train" creator/host's body on Friday, February 3.
The agency states in a press release issued on Tuesday, February 7 that the 75-year-old music impresario died early February 1 after shooting himself in the head. Investigators will issue a final report later after the results of toxicology tests come out.
Don was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Sherman Oaks, California home, but he did not leave a suicide note behind. Police quickly ruled out foul play.
Don's son, Tony Cornelius, recently claimed that his father showed no sign of being suicidal before his death. "Many people can tell you they spoke to him, they talked to him, he was smiling when they saw him," he explained.
Of what might have triggered Don to end his life, Tony said, "He was not feeling well so it's really hard to say why my dad decided he had had enough." He went on elaborating, "I can tell you due to health, things like divorce and relationships, there's all kinds of things that may trigger a reaction like that. But as his son, as one who was really close, I can't tell you [why]."
Fans have paid tribute to Don in a "flash mob" at Times Square on Saturday, February 4. Meanwhile, a remembrance to celebrate Don's life has reportedly been planned for February 17.
