Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell died of hanging by suicide, the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office said on Thursday, amid reports that he was found dead an hour after wrapping up his latest concert.

The 52-year-old Audioslave musician, who created a Bond Theme, died shortly after leaving the stage in Detroit on Wednesday night and reportedly "appeared normal" as he greeted fans outside.

Brian Bumbery, his representative, called the death "sudden and unexpected" and said his wife and family were shocked by it. The statement also said the family asked for privacy.

"The cause of death has been determined as hanging by suicide. A full autopsy report has not yet been completed," the Medical Examiner's Office said in a statement after conducting an initial autopsy.