Don Cornelius Death Ruled A Suicide

LOS ANGELES — Coroner's officials on Tuesday ruled Don Cornelius' death a suicide, nearly a week after the "Soul Train" creator and host killed himself with a gunshot to the head.

The agency made the determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body Friday. Investigators are still awaiting the results of toxicology tests before issuing a final report.

Police quickly ruled out foul play after responding to Cornelius' Mulholland Drive home early Wednesday morning. His son had alerted authorities after receiving a call from his father.

Cornelius, 75, started "Soul Train" in 1970 and it became one of the longest-running syndicated shows in history, introducing audiences to many top music acts and providing a never-before-seen TV platform for black culture.

The popular host was honored Saturday in Harlem with a lively celebration in tribute to Cornelius and the wide-ranging influence of his show.

His son, Tony Cornelius, released a statement last week asking for privacy and thanking fans.

"We thank all the well-wishers and the fans who have supported the `Soul Train' legacy. Love, Peace and Soul," the statement read, incorporating his father's famous sign-off from the show.

Comments

[westcoastsc]

11:05 AM on 02/10/2012

Why? Didn't he just make a big sale of the rights to his show recently and get a big pay check? Some people say he was sick.

[kel347]

09:17 PM on 02/08/2012

Yes, a tragic end for such an icon.

[Adonijah]

10:19 AM on 02/08/2012

Very sad indeed!!!

[mypov123]

04:27 PM on 02/10/2012

Flagged.

[dmomomo]

11:28 PM on 02/07/2012

Don Cornelius was very ill and his condition would havve worsened. I guess he took his life before the illness did.

[makemesmile]

05:56 PM on 02/08/2012

What illness or medical condition did he have?

[kel347]

09:26 PM on 02/08/2012

I was wondering the same thing. What would drive him to this. His mental state seems to have been the bigger issue. He needed some psychiatric counseling and meds for any physical pain.

[lilidauphin]

08:50 PM on 02/07/2012

Most people don't usually share their inner pains with others. Many things can create inner dissatisfaction such as loneliness, illnesses and many more. SInce everyone handles their inner conditions differently we may never know why. Let us now pray for his soul. May he rest in peace!

[chris428]

08:21 PM on 02/07/2012

We know that his death was a suicide....but what drove him to it....We need some answers here

[Adonijah]

10:21 AM on 02/08/2012

..unless ppl leave a note....you won't really know.

[sharronhr]

07:08 PM on 02/07/2012

As Reverend Al said Sunday morning, we should focus on the life Mr. Cornelius lived and not how he died. I believe a lot of houses were cleaner on Saturday mornings because young people were working to finish chores early enough to watch the show. And more than a few ugly clothes were bought and worn because we saw the styles on Soul Train. Don Cornelius was the man. He put his money and his talent into a program he produced that changed the complexion of entertainment. We should simply wish him love, peace, and SOUL as he did every week for twenty-two years.

[Adonijah]

10:22 AM on 02/08/2012

Agree!!!

LOL & Yup

@ I believe a lot of houses were cleaner on Saturday mornings because young people were working to finish chores early enough to watch the show

[MsG7]

06:59 PM on 02/07/2012

They better check again.

[cleojones]

06:47 PM on 02/07/2012

Damn, Damn and Damn again (in my Florida Evans voice)....