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Don Cornelius Officially Ruled a Suicide

Toxicology results still pending on 'Soul Train' host

February 8, 2012 8:50 AM ET
Don Cornelius onstage at the 2009 BET Awards
Don Cornelius onstage at the 2009 BET Awards
John Shearer/WireImage

Coroners have ruled that Soul Train host Don Cornelius' death last week was a suicide. A post mortem carried out on Friday determined that the television icon shot himself in the head. Toxicology test results have not been determined.

Cornelius, who was 75, was found in his home in Sherman Oaks, California last Wednesday. As of yet, there has been no explanation about what might have led Cornelius to take his own life. Tony Cornelius, the host's son, released a statement last week requesting that the media back off the story. "At this time, we respectfully ask that you allow our family and friends the privacy necessary to get through this difficult time," he said in a statement to CNN. "We thank all the well-wishers and the fans who have supported the Soul Train legacy."

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