Musician Chris Cornell dies at 52 - representative

U.S. musician Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden and later Audioslave, died on Wednesday in Detroit, his representative said. He was 52.

Cornell's family would be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause, representative Brian Bumbery said in a statement.

"His wife Vicky and family were shocked to learn of his sudden and unexpected passing," Brumbery said.

"They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."

Seattle-born Cornell won two Grammy awards in 1994 with rock band Soundgarden.