At tonight’s 2017 Billboard Music Awards, Imagine Dragons will give a tribute to the late musician Chris Cornell before their performance. The band is said to be set to talk about the influence Cornell had on their music career. Just days ago, on May 17, 2017, Cornell was found in his hotel bathroom in Detroit, with his death being ruled a suicide by hanging.
At just 52 years old, Cornell leaves behind a wife named Vicky and his children.
CNN reports that Cornell’s funeral is set to be held this coming Friday on May 26, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. According to sources, the Soundgarden singer’s body will be flown to California from Michigan and he will be laid to rest in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Cornell’s family attorney, Kirk Pasich, stated to CNN that Cornell’s wife believes that Ativan or other drugs may have contributed to the star’s death. Pasich explained that:
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.
In a public statement, Cornell’s wife Vicky said that:
When we spoke after the show, I noticed he was slurring his words. When he told me he may have taken an extra Ativan or two, I contacted security and asked that they check on him. What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details. I know that he loved our children and he would not hurt them by intentionally taking his own life.
As far as the possibility of a memorial service for fans of Cornell’s, a source told CNN that:
The family is thinking about a (public) memorial for fans, but is coping now with their loss and the funeral service.
Tonight, the 2017 Billboard Music Awards begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.