Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Chris Cornell’s widow writes letter to the late Soundgarden singer ahead of funeral


Chris & Vicky Cornell in Venice - June 2012
via Chris Cornell / Facebook

Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky, has written an emotional farewell letter to her late husband less than a week after he died in at a Detroit hotel following a Soundgarden concert at the city’s Fox Theatre on May 17.

“You were the best father, husband and son-in-law,” began the note as published by Billboard (see full letter below). “Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.”

“I'm sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night,” she continued. “I'm sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.”

Cornell’s body was discovered in the bathroom of his room at the MGM Grand Detroit by his bodyguard, Martin Kirsten, after Vicky requested the security man check on him following a phone conversation between the couple after the show.

Mrs. Cornell grew concerned when she noticed her husband was slurring his words, sounded groggy and kept repeating “I’m just tired” while admitting to taking "an extra Ativan or two", a prescription which helped him deal with anxiety issues.

The Soundgarden singer’s death has been ruled a suicide by hanging following an initial autopsy by The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, with a full report to follow.

“Without the results of toxicology tests, we do not know what was going on with Chris - or if any substances contributed to his demise,” said his attorney Kirk Pasich. “Chris, a recovering addict, had a prescription for Ativan and might’ve taken more than the recommended dosage.

“The family believes that if Chris took his life, he did not know what he was doing and that drugs or other substances may have affected his actions.”


Cornell will be laid to rest during a private service in Los Angeles on Friday, May 26, with Pasich saying that “one or more public memorials will be considered” as the family deals with their sudden loss.


VICKY CORNELL'S FULL LETTER

To My Sweet Christopher,

You were the best father, husband and son-in-law. Your patience, empathy and love always showed through.

You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn't be alive if it were not for me. My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I'm sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I'm sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.

I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting.

I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will.

Always and forever,
Your Vicky

Chris & Vicky Cornell in Venice - June 2012
via Chris Cornell / Facebook


See also:

Soundgarden drummer pays tribute to Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell funeral plans revealed
Soundgarden: Chris Cornell death detailed in police report
Chris Cornell’s wife issues statement following Soundgarden singer’s death
Search Soundgarden at hennemusic