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Don Cornelius has been found dead in an apparent suicide this morning, according to police.
The creator of Soul Train, 75, was discovered at his home in Sherman Oaks, California with a gunshot wound to the head which was reportedly self-inflicted.
Police responding to a report of a shooting found Mr Cornelius lifeless at his Mulholland Drive home. He was pronounced dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound about an hour later at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to the coroner's office.
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Found dead: Don Cornelius, 75. was found at his home in Sherman Oaks, California after apparently committing suicide
Police officer Sara Faden said authorities have ruled out foul play. Detectives have not found a suicide note and were talking to the 75-year-old's family about his mental state.
During Mr Cornelius's divorce three years ago, he told an LA judge he was suffering from 'significant health issues'.
Sources told TMZ that he had suffered a stroke in recent years and had brain surgery.
His death prompted many to speak of the positive influence he and his show Soul Train had on pop culture, music and the African-American community.
Aretha Franklin, an early performer on the show, told People: 'It's just so sad, stunning and downright shocking... a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large.'
The soul singer added: 'God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided for young adults worldwide and the unity and brotherhood he singlehandedly brought about with his most memorable creation of Soul Train.'
In 2008, Cornelius was arrested at his Mulholland Drive home on suspicion of domestic violence.
He appeared in court on November 14, 2008 charged with spousal abuse and pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to no contest the next year and was placed on 36 months probation.
Cornelius' second wife, Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius, a Russian model, filed for divorce in 2007. She had filed two restraining orders against her former husband.
Groovy: Mr Cornelius, created the American institution Soul Train which ran from the Seventies for 35 years
Soul Train was a dance-variety show which ran from 1971 for 35 years. It mainly featured R&B, soun and hip-hop artists.
Don Cornelius was credited with helping break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and the cutting-edge style of the show.
Over the years, artists including Michael Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle appeared on the series.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who was both its host and executive producer. It holds the title of the longest, continuously running syndicated program on TV.
He was known for his catchphrase at the end of every show: '...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!'
Bitter battle: Don Cornelius with his ex-wife Viktoria Chapman-Cornelius pictured at an awards ceremony in Santa Monica
Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-20...l#ixzz1lA0hhJLx
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