Dec, 13th/18.
Chris's 12 years of sobriety, his well crafted forth solo record Higher Truth, his incredible voice, his song writing, a world wide tour for Higher Truth, reuniting with Temple of the Dog's 25 anniversary, his inspirations, his love for family to his overall healthy productivity I feel go ignored.
It's frustrating to see his past struggles used heavily against him. Perpetuating an image of an incompetent, tormented substance abuser who supposedly was on a "drug fueled delirium" that allegedly lead him to "end his own life."
All the lies, the deceit, the never-ending changing stories, the silence and the seemingly betrayal of few who were close to him, was evident since Chris's passing.
Primarily from the widow.
"Now the truth will set you free,
but all you had was lying in you,
so you build a cage for me,
all the while pretended to be,
a living saint with a thorny crown,
and me condemned to be your clown,
I applaud you as you take a bow." - Murderer of Blue Skies.
The night after Chris died, she's unfolded that way ever since.
Perhaps even long before.
I've personally sought after and found the following medical professionals that weighed in on Chris's death. None of these doctors prescribed, treated or had any other involvement with Chris Cornell before and after his death.
There's been an ongoing campaign of the dangers of "Ativan", a supposed relapse and Chris allegedly succumbing to suicide.
Dismissal of the Official Ruling. . . (a 2-part forensic analysis ) strongly indicates otherwise.
*This post doesn't promote anyone to completely refute an expert's assertions based on empirical evidence. However, one must not abandon skepticism if anything a professional states is questionable. Additionally, not to be discouraged from inquiry or to challenge the authority from acquired knowledge.
Simply put, do your own homework.
There's emphasis of their medical titles, what they do, what they did, where they work, where they've worked, etc. Heavily mentioning the specifics of their profession before they are briefly quoted in regards to Chris's death, only serves to legitimize the suicide and drug narrative. They are the experts. We are not so there for, Depression! Drugs! Suicide!
It's important to note that this fallacy should not be used to dismiss the claims of experts, or scientific consensus. Appeals to authority are not valid arguments, but nor is it reasonable to disregard the claims of experts who have a demonstrated depth of knowledge unless one has a similar level of understanding and/or access to empirical evidence. However, it is entirely possible that the opinion of a person or institution of authority is wrong; therefore the authority that such a person or institution holds does not have any intrinsic bearing upon whether their claims are true or not. - YOUR LOGICAL FALLACY IS: APPEAL TO AUTHORITY.
Drugs did not contribute to the cause of death noted by M.E. Theodore Brown M.D. No dangerous levels of prescription medication nor illegal drugs found in Chris's system. No alcohol either!
Absolutely no comments from the following medical professionals, particularly a former and a current medical examiner, regarding the injuries noted by M.E. Theodore Brown M.D.
*Assistant Medical Examiner Theodore Brown M.D. *Ruled Chris's death a suicide by hanging.
While breaking down the medical examiner's findings from Chris's post-mortem report, it reignited a personal interest in forensic science and human biology. A multitude of studies researched afterwards in forensic pathology and criminology, showed Brown's ruling of suicide mostly incorrect. On the contrary within the empirical evidence, Chris's death was in all likelihood a homicide.
The physical conditions of Chris Cornell noted by Theodore Brown M.D. are not consistent with a suicidal hanging.
I question if Brown was instructed to rule death by suicide regardless of his findings.
"Assistant" suggests that he was an assistant to another medical examiner, a lead medical doctor Brown ranked under and worked alongside. Though as it seems, the assistant became the substitute.
*Dr. Werner Spitz, (former chief medical examiner) - Reviewed Chris's autopsy report and made the following comments: "Not absolutely convinced. "In theory, it could be an accident." "The way (Cornell) was found means he was able to regulate the pressure on his neck." DETROIT FREE PRESS published June, 3rd/17.
*Cyril Wecht Forensic pathologist, attorney and medical-legal consultant. http://www.cyrilwecht.com/about.php
“Maybe somebody spoke too soon; it happens,” said longtime pathologist Cyril Wecht, former medical examiner of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and chairman of the American Board of Legal Medicine board of trustees.“If the head wound is not written up in the report or the autopsy, there’s your answer,” Wecht said. “It was most likely a simple mistake by the EMT.”Wecht has been consulted in a number of high-profile deaths, most famously as the first civilian allowed to examine evidence at the National Archives on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.The pathologist testified in 1978 before the House Select Committee on Assassinations that he disagreed with the Warren Commission’s finding that a single bullet killed Kennedy.“With my work on JFK, I’m not one to dismiss conspiracies just because they don’t match the official story,” said Wecht, a former president of the American Academy of Forensic Science.“But for someone to have paid off both the investigator and pathologist to omit a head wound from their reports … I don’t think even the CIA could do that.” From the DETROIT NEWS published July, 21st/17.
The Q&A from the DETROIT NEWS. Police: DNA not sent to lab in Cornell death.
Published July, 21st/2017.
Q.: Why did the medic say there were “signs of strangulation” as heard on the police scanner?
A.: In medicine, the term strangulation isn’t referring to a homicidal act, said pathologist Cyril Wecht, former medical examiner of Allegheny County, Penn., and chairman of the American Board of Legal Medicine board of trustees.It denotes a medical condition in which blood flow to part of the body is cut off, he said.“You can strangle yourself,” he said. “When people hear ‘strangulation,’ they automatically think it’s a homicide, but that’s not necessarily the case.”
Q.: Why was there so much blood splattered near the body?
A.: “In a hanging, the body continues to function, and the heart continues pumping blood,” Wecht said. “Blood vessels become engorged, and they burst. Some blood comes out from the airway, on up through the windpipe, into the mouth, and blood can come out your nose.“Have you ever had someone tell a joke and you spit your drink all over? Well, that’s what often happens with hangings, and when it does you’ll get blood splatters.”
*Explanation and clarification (based on empirical evidence) for the terms "hanging" and "strangulation" in the fields of forensic pathology and criminology.*
In the context of Chris discovered deceased by the first responders laying on the floor supine (face up on his back) with a remarkable full circumferential ligature furrow mark around his neck, would initially suggest asphyxia (the condition) due to strangulation. (the method)
Physical or mechanical asphyxia refers to force or an object keeping one from breathing. Strangulation is one of several types of asphyxiation. - What is Asphyxia?
Asphyxia - "a condition in which insufficient or no oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged on a ventilatory basis. . . " - https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/asphyxia
ABOUT STRANGULATION & HANGING: Language Matters - ". . . some language issues that have implications on mechanisms of death and pathophysiological concepts.
Firstly, strangulation should not be used as a synonym for hanging. Strangulation is defined as asphyxia by closure of the blood vessels and/ or air passages of the neck as a result of external pressure on the neck."
"It is subdivided into three main categories: hanging, ligature strangulation and manual strangulation. The distinction between these three entities is attributed to the cause of the external pressure on the neck — either a constricting band tightened by the gravitational weight of the body or part of the body (hanging); a constricting band tightened by a force other than the body weight (ligature strangulation); or an external pressure by hands, forearms or other limbs (manual strangulation)."
*Explanations for blood present at a hanging:
"Saliva may be found dribbling from the angle of the mouth when the head is drooping forward. This is due to the increased salivation before death due to the stimulation of the salivary glands by the ligature. ForensicPathologyOnline/Hanging: WARNING: graphic images " Slight hemorrhage or bloody froth is sometimes seen at the mouth and nostrils, and some blood may be found under the head. This results from rupture of engorged blood vessels, and should not be mistaken for evidence of foul play."
“It’s very unlikely such large amount of blood found in a case of hanging,” Dinesh Rao, a forensic pathologist who has conducted more than 12,000 autopsies, told International Business Times in an email.“…I would like to state at this moment that in partial hangings or [in] incomplete hangings, signs of congestion are common and sometimes we see ruptures of blood vessels as a reason for hemorrhage,” the doctor explained. “This needs to [be] confirmed during [an] autopsy by ruling out trauma as the source.” -From INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES. Published July,14th/17.
Lastly, lividity occurs after a person dies.
"The term lividity refers to an unnatural color of the skin. Lividity can be a useful reaction in determining the position of a body at the time of death and even whether a body was moved within the first few hours after death."
. . . Lividity can also result when blood flow ceases after death. The blood that was formerly flowing through the body can be drawn to the lowest point in the body by the influence of gravity. For example, if a victim was lying on her right side at the time of death, lividity would be evident on the right side of the face, hip, and on the areas of the right arm and leg that were closest to the ground.
As blood pools in a corpse under the influence of gravity, the lividity can become more intense in color. This trend has inspired attempts to correlate the degree of lividity with the approximate time of death. However, the development of lividity is too variable to be an accurate indicator of the time of death. Other indicators, such as rigor mortis , are more reliable.
Movement of a body in the first few hours after death can be evident by patches of lividity on different areas of the body. To continue the example cited above, the right-side pattern of lividity accompanied by a more intense lividity on the lower back and buttocks could indicate movement of the body onto the right side after death.
Typically, postmortem lividity appears as a bluish-purple or reddish-purple color in the regions of the body that are in close contact with the ground. Areas that are further removed from the ground can be pink at the periphery of the discoloration.
According to Chris's post-mortem report, "lividity was present posteriorly and unfixed."
The lividity noted on Chris reveals exactly how his body was positioned while long passed on the floor; "supine" (on his back)
*Therefore, Chris was in no way suspended; fully or partial.
From the DETROIT NEWS published May,15/2018.
“A good lab would have screened for that if the bottle was found at the scene.“Every lab differs, and that drug doesn’t usually result in acute death by itself,” Wecht said. “But it can cause medical problems, and in a complete toxicology screen, you’d want to include that if they knew there was a bottle at the scene.” In regards to the Prednisone bottle found in Chris's hotel bathroom, and Vicky's statements: “But the medical examiner never tested for it,”
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who appeared on “Good Morning America” in February to discuss Chris Cornell’s death, said: “It is very likely had he not been under the influence of these drugs, he would have never done such an act that cost him his life.”
But Wecht counters that“it’s not unreasonable to assume Ativan may have contributed to the death, but I don’t disagree with the medical examiner here. As a matter of scientific proof, you can’t know for sure whether taking the drug actually caused the death. So I wouldn’t list it as a cause of death.”
*David "Dr. Drew" Pinsky (Celebrity doctor, board-certified internist, addiction medicine specialist, and media personality) From Wikipedia.
From Chris Cornell’s Death: Dr. Drew Discusses The Tragic Suicide Of Soundgarden Singer regarding the Ativan: "A recovering addict should “never have been exposed to” the medication Ativan, says Dr. Drew. “Benzos over a long term (more than two weeks) are a very dangerous class of medications and extremely dangerous if you have a history of addiction.” Published May, 22/17.
From Alternative Nation, Dr. Drew Reveals Who Contributed To Chris Cornell’s Death: ‘It’s Crazy’ “He was a long term recovering guy, he never should have taken this medication. Nobody should ever have given him this thing in the first place. The doctor gave it to him, and just escalated the dose, and didn’t follow up, and didn’t understand what could happen to a long term recovering guy.”Dr. Oz then asked what role the benzo played in Cornell’s death. Dr. Drew responded, “Causational, there is no doubt in my mind. He is a recovering guy, this is a medicine that activates his disease, of course he is going to escalate it, which he did, and he got into trouble with it. And by the way, he was taking it sort of as prescribed when he died, because the doctor allowed that escalation. Crazy.”Dr. Oz asked if the 25 million in recovery should they be prescribed benzos.Dr. Drew said, “We should avoid it, absolutely. I would never do it, because I know what happens, I see it all the time.” Published April, 15th/2018.
"DR. RICHARD J. COTE" (Oddities)
*Dr. Richard J. Cote Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology & Immunology https://pathology.wustl.edu/people-page/
Pathologist-in-Chief, Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Former Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine)
"They were not at levels that would’ve caused his death; in other words, it wasn’t an overdose," Cote said. "But what the two drugs did individually and in combination was to really impair his judgment and make him psychically unable to be responsive in ways that he normally would be responsive." Published Feb, 21/18
“There is clear evidence of drug ingestion leading to impaired behavior. The drugs that were found, and their levels, strongly indicate doses that would impair mental and motor function individually, but have much more powerful effects when found in combination.” Published April,13/18.
“Mr. Cornell had drug levels that would cause significant motor and mental impairment, and that the combination of drugs found in Mr. Cornell’s system have synergistic depressant activity which would impair judgment, cloud intention, impair motor coordination, and inhibit the ability to physically respond to danger,” Cote wrote in his three-page report.
“Under the circumstances, I conclude that terminal events occurred while under significant mental and motor impairment.” Published May,15/18.
"DR. RICHARD J. COTE" (Oddities continued.)
"Dr. Richard J. Cote's" quotes change three times from Feb/2018 to May/2018.
In my post, #NOMOREBULLSHIT article#2: “February 21st, 2018: CHRIS CORNELL EMAIL ADMITTING TO FINAL DRUG RELAPSE REVEALED.”, Alternative Nation published the story from GOOD MORNING AMERICA: Chris Cornell's widow says his battle with addiction led to his suicide: 'He loved his life' (Brett Buchanan frequently copies and pastes countless articles from other media outlets)
I questioned "Dr. Cote's" statements of the "two drugs" and what they "did individually and in combination," and sent "Dr. Cote" an email back in March/2018 inquiring on his statements supposedly based from Chris's toxicology report.
I've not heard back from "Dr. Cote" since.
"Dr. Cote" is mentioned again in Alt-Nation that I criticize, #NOMOREBULLSHIT article#3: "April, 13th 2018: CHRIS CORNELL’S WIDOW REVEALS WHAT MEDICAL EXAMINER TOLD HER ABOUT CAUSE OF DEATH."
I suspect that Vicky, "Dr. Cote', or whoever, allegedly constructed fraudulent claims implying drugs led to Chris's "suicide." She's been heavily insistent that drugs indeed lead up to Chris's death well before a toxicology report was released.
Only in the Detroit News (Chris Cornell widow rips probe year after death) published May,15th 2018, do I read about "Dr. Cote" and his "independent analysis" of Chris Cornell's post-mortem report that resulted in a sudden "3 paged report".
"Dr. Cote" goes from two drugs" impairing Chris's judgement and causing him to be "physical unable to be responsive," to "drugs found at their levels" would impair mental and motor functions but deadly in combination, then lastly, ". . .have synergistic depressant activity which would impair judgment, cloud intention, impair motor coordination, and inhibit the ability to physically respond to danger."
With the selective wording and changes in syntax, I absolutely do not believe the quotes are from a "Dr. Cote" (or truthful assertions from "Dr. Cote") who reviewed Chris's toxicology results objectively.
With "Dr. Cote" you get three different statements made within a four month period. Regardless whether or not the quotes are from an actual "Dr. Richard J. Cote", It's highly suspicious and manipulative.
If Chris had been so mentally impaired by the "Ativan", or whatever "drugs found at their levels" and caused him to be "physically unable to be responsive," how was it at the same time that Chris supposedly had the mental and physical coordination to prepare an apparatus for a "suicidal hanging" that night in a short span of time?
CHRISTOPHER JOHN CORNELL had no dangerous levels of prescription medication, illegal drugs, nor alcohol found in his system.
*Dr. Michael Hunter (Chief Medical Examiner of San Joaquin County) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Hunter_(forensic_pathologist)
I questioned the credibility of Dr. Michael Hunter as there's very little information about him, besides brief bio's and television appearances.
Dr. Michael Hunter was the host of the latest television special on Reelz TV network titled, On Autopsy: The Last Hours of Chris Cornell.
"On Autopsy, he gets involved fairly late in the process, he says, dealing only with the medical issues involved. He controls the narrative from the medical standpoint only. Researchers work on the subject’s life-background material that goes in the show, he said. “By the time the case comes to me there’s already an outline put together by the production staff. They know by then pretty much where they want to go, and I digest the medical background and offer some insights from that side of the coin. I didn’t really know the backgrounds of any of these cases,. . ." - Dothan Eagle.
The program's primary focus is to sell a marketable narrative, though, the show is not always well received:
The episode featuring Chris does not have anyone of significance included for interviews, usually the case for the show, and merely using actors for dramatic story-telling.
Revealing the "truth."
I've personally never subscribed to Reelz nor have I heard of the television show "On Autopsy." It was only until I saw on Twitter that Chris would be covered in a documentary style program that covers the "sudden" and "unusual" deaths of celebrities.
Alternative Nation covers Dr. Hunter's statements several times, making it clear he is an expert in his profession, who performed over 5,000 autopsies. Alt-Nation lets their readers know however that Dr. Hunter did not perform Chris's autopsy and has little knowledge of Chris's mental health and treatment over the years.
From Alternative Nation: Medical Examiner Reveals What He Believes Could Have Saved Chris Cornell
"Chris’ dark song titles and lyrics suggest he was struggling with deep emotional pain. I wouldn’t be surprised if antidepressants were used to manage his condition. Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, returning the chemicals balance back to normal, stabilizing mood and emotion. The toxicology shows no evidence of this medication in his blood the night he died. If Chris wasn’t taking antidepressants at the time of his death, this will have likely increased his chance of engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, as well as carrying a higher risk for suicide. For that reason, I certainly cannot rule out depression as a contributing factor to his death."
"I don’t think he smiled much. As far as was he happy? I don’t think that was his thing. He did have an air about him that was super intense." Published Aug, 8th/18.
From Alternative Nation: Chris Cornell PCP & LSD Use Detailed In New Autopsy Special
“LSD or acid is a psychedelic drug known for its psychological affects. Psychedelic drugs work by interfering with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors, resulting in altered moods, and hallucinations. Effects can last as long as 12 hours. I can see that Chris also used PCP, also known as Angel Dust.PCP and LSD do similar things to the brain, but LSD is a psychedelic drug causing the user to see shapes, patterns, and colors that aren’t there, while PCP is a dissociative anesthetic drug, which disconnects individuals from reality. In both cases, users can experience what is known as a bad trip. When feelings of euphoria change to feelings of extreme anxiety and terrifying thoughts. This can be very traumatizing, especially for a 12-year old.”He later says, “Reports state that Chris suffered from agoraphobia, and this could well have been a result of his early experimentation with drugs. The use of PCP and LSD can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, leading to a heightened stress response in certain situations, triggering a feeling of panic.”
“I cannot underestimate the negative long term effects these drugs have on a young and developing brain.” Published Aug, 9th/18
From Alternative Nation: Chris Cornell Alcoholism Detailed On Autopsy: ‘Grunge Was Loaded With Alcohol’
“In interviews, Chris revealed that he started drinking at the age of 16, and his alcohol consumption became particularly heavy during his 20’s and 30’s.”
Near the end of the special, Dr. Michael Hunter said he believed a combination of prescription drug issues and depression may have contributed to Cornell’s death.“His successful rehabilitation in 2002 and commitment to his family are testaments to his strength of spirit, and desire to live a full and happy life. While Chris bravely faced a number of psychological challenges throughout his life, I cannot completely rule out his history of depression, along with the role of prescription medications, as being one of a number of factors which could have affected Chris’ though process and decision making. While it’s hard to know what exactly caused Chris Cornell to tragically take his own life, there is a chance his judgment may have been impaired, which increased the likelihood of self-harm.” Published Aug, 15th/18
After the airing of the "Autopsy" special, there was immediate backlash from several fans, including myself, on Reelz Channel's Twitter page.
I've contacted Dr. Hunter in August/2018 with the following messages.