Soul Train Impresario Don Cornelius' Death Officially Ruled a Suicide

Music pioneer was found dead at his Sherman Oaks home last week of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head

By Alexis L. Loinaz Feb 07, 2012 10:54 PMTags
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As the music world mourns the death of Soul Train mastermind Don Cornelius, authorities are now confirming the circumstances surrounding it.

L.A. County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter confirms to E! News that the music impresario's death has officially been ruled a suicide.

Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks home last week with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

His son Tony Cornelius told CBS This Morning that his father was "very unhappy about some things…and his health was failing." He also said he received a phone call from his father just hours before the elder Cornelius was believed to have shot himself in the head.

Stars mourned Cornelius' passing with glowing tributes. Aretha Franklin praised Cornelius for creating "a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun," while Quincy Jones told E! News, "Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business."

PICS: Celebrity Deaths—2012's Fallen Stars