Rock singer Chris Cornell has died at the age of 52, according to reports by The Associated Press.

Citing a statement from his representative Brian Bumbery, AP reports that the performer - who rose to fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden - died on Wednesday night in Detroit.

Bumbery said his death had been "sudden and unexpected", and said Cornell's wife and family were shocked by it.

The statement said the family would be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause of death, and requested privacy.

Cornell was one of the founding members of Soundgarden in 1984, and was the lead singer until 1997 when the band announced it was breaking up.

He took up the mantle again when they reformed in 2010, and in the meantime enjoyed a successful solo career as well as being lead vocalist and songwriter for band Audioslave.

His theme song for 2006's James Bond film Casino Royale broke into the Top 10 in the UK singles chart.