Chris Cornell's battle with depression and his tragic end

Chris Cornell, a towering figure in rock music and the voice of bands like Soundgarden and Audioslave, died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 52. His death sent shockwaves through the music world and deeply affected his family.

Cornell, born Christopher John Boyle in Seattle, struggled with severe depression, anxiety, and substance abuse from his teenage years. He described himself as a loner who used rock music to combat feelings of anxiety and not belonging. His early life was marked by his parents' divorce and a difficult relationship with religion, leading him to leave traditional schooling.

His mother's support, particularly her purchase of his first musical instrument, proved pivotal, steering him toward a career in music. Before achieving fame, Cornell worked various jobs, including waiter, dishwasher, and fishmonger. He began his musical journey in cover bands before co-founding Soundgarden, a band that would define a generation of rock music.