In Memoriam

In Memoriam : Don Cornelius dies at 75

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was found dead in his home early this morning from an apparent suicide. He was 75 years old.

Published

15 years ago

February 1, 2012

UVM Staff

Don Cornelius (Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Don_Cornelius_(32841370748).jpg)

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was reportedly found dead in his home early this morning from an apparent suicide. He was 75 years old.

Don Cornelius death details

According to TMZ, law enforcement officials said that Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head which they believe was self-inflicted. Upon discovering his body, officials took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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Cornelius served as host of Soul Train from 1971 to 1993, providing a platform for artists including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, The O’Jays, and many others.

Unheard Voices sends its condolences to Cornelius’ family during this difficult time.

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Related Topics:Blacks in History celebrity deaths Chicago deaths Don Cornelius Illinois

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.