'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Found Dead After Apparent Suicide
SHERMAN OAKS (CBS) — "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius was found fatally shot at his Sherman Oaks home Wednesday morning.
"Our Van Nuys detectives as well as our Robbery Homicide detectives looked at every possible way at determining that there is no evidence of foul play and that Mr. Cornelius passes away as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound," said Sara Faden of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Law enforcement officials say Cornelius was discovered at 4 a.m. in the 12600 block of Mulholland Drive with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the upper body. He was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Soul Train debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006.
Cornelius, who hosted the show from 1971 to 1993, ended each episode with: "And you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"
Cornelius pleaded no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence in 2008, two years before he and his wife divorced.
Sources say he had been in poor health for the past few years.
"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius," Quincy Jones told the Associated Press. "Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones."
Cornelius was 75 years old.
