Don Cornelius Commits Suicide

Don Cornelius, creator of "Soul Train," died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at at his Sherman Oaks, Calif. He was 75. According to police, they responded to a 911 call from Don's son about a shooting and arrived at the the residence at 4am this morning. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. “Soul Train”, which he hosted from 1971 to 1993, became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, introducing some of the greatest African American artists to television. As host, he ended each show 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!” During his 2009 divorce proceedings from his second wife, Viktoria Chapman, whom he assaulted, Don told the judge he had "significant health issues" and wanted to "finalize this divorce before I die." according to reports, his health has been in decline for the past several years.

source: LA Times