Vicky Cornell, the widow of late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, is suing the singer’s doctor, Dr. Robert Koblin, for malpractice.
According to the lawsuit obtained by Pitchfork, Cornell is suing Dr. Koblin for “negligently and repeatedly prescribing dangerous mind-altering controlled substances to Chris Cornell, which impaired cognition, clouded his judgment, and caused him to engage in dangerous impulsive behaviors that he was unable to control, costing him his life.”
Vicky Cornell is alleging that the medication prescribed to Chris Cornell —specifically the anti-anxiety drug Lorazepam— led to unstable behaviour. Lorazepam was found in Cornell’s system at the time of his death. The drug “increases the risk of suicide in addiction-prone individuals by impairing judgment and rational thinking”.
Whilst Coroner’s investigations ruled Cornell’s death a suicide. Toxicology results showed the presence of Ativan, barbiturates, caffeine, naloxone and a decongestant.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Koblin “failed to warn or counsel Cornell about the risk of suicidal ideation or any of the other serious side effects of protracted Lorazepam use, which included impaired impulse control, worsening mental distress, and an enhanced sense of desperation.”
Last month, a life-size statue of Chris Cornell was unveiled in his hometown of Seattle.
Watch: Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun
