We're all shocked and sad at this time as news has come down on this early Thursday morning that one of the most influential rock stars of the 1990's 'grunge rock' phase Chris Cornell, lead singer of Soundgarden, has died at the age of 52.

Chris Cornell was found dead in Chicago Wednesday night and was preparing to play with Soundgarden in Columbus, Ohio on Friday.  According to reports, his death has not yet been determined but his family is obviously shocked and saddened and a representative of Mr. Cornell said that he singer’s family will be “working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause.”

Cornell was at the forefront of the early 1990's grunge rock scene along with groups like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and more.  Kurt Cobain, 27, of Nirvana and Scott Weiland, 48, of STP,  also died way too young.

Back in 2015, Chris Cornell appeared on Saturday Nigh Live with the Zac Brown Band performing 'Heavy is the Head"

More From 107.7 WGNA