Don Cornelius Commits Suicide

Don Cornelius -- who famously created "Soul Train" was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning ... and law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide. We're told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted. We're told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. "Soul Train" changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006. Officials have notified Don's family. Cornelius was 75. During Don's bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from "significant health issues" and wanted to "finalize this divorce before I die." Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife. He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation. His probation just terminated. The divorce was granted in 2010. Sources close to Don tell us ... the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years ... including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery. 'Soul Train' Don Cornelius Dead of Suicide at 75 | TMZ.com

[MrCee]

Don Cornelius Ex-Wife Scores Huge Life Insurance Payout



Don Cornelius died with 2 life insurance policies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the ex-wife he hated will get all the money ... TMZ has learned.

Don's breakup with Viktoria Chapman Cornelius was brutal. He was convicted of domestic abuse and, according to him, she pepper sprayed him multiple times.

During the divorce in 2009, Don said in legal docs obtained by TMZ, 'I am 72 years old. I have significant health issues. I want to finalize this divorce before I die."

The divorce was indeed finalized later that year, but there's a provision in the settlement agreement that says Don must make Viktoria the beneficiary of both of his life insurance policies -- totaling around $300,000 in benefits.

Under California law, if a policyholder commits suicide within 2 years of the time the policy is issued, the company can deny payment. But Don had the policy for more than 2 years, so Viktoria -- the woman he despised -- will get the loot.

Don Cornelius' Ex-Wife Viktoria Chapman Cornelius Scores Huge Life Insurance Payout | TMZ.com

[Mz K]

That's not possible.....I thought life insurance cancels when you commit suicide....Then i guess he didn't after all?

[gifted chick]

Originally Posted by Mz K That's not possible.....I thought life insurance cancels when you commit suicide....Then i guess he didn't after all?

Under California law, if a policyholder commits suicide within 2 years of the time the policy is issued, the company can deny payment. But Don had the policy for more than 2 years,

[Mz K]

lucky for she...here it doesn't matter, the second you commit suicide, they don't give you the money due to how often spouse killed their better half and passing it off as a suicide.

[MrCee]

Coroner rules Don Cornelius' death ruled a suicide

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Coroner's officials on Tuesday ruled Don Cornelius' death a suicide, nearly a week after the "Soul Train" creator and host killed himself with a gunshot to the head. The agency made the determination after conducting an autopsy on Cornelius' body Friday. Investigators are still awaiting the results of toxicology tests before issuing a final report. Police quickly ruled out foul play after responding to Cornelius' Mulholland Drive home early Wednesday morning. His son had alerted authorities after receiving a call from his father. His son, Tony Cornelius, released a statement last week asking for privacy and thanking fans. "We thank all the well-wishers and the fans who have supported the 'Soul Train' legacy. Love, Peace and Soul," the statement read, incorporating his father's famous sign-off from the show. http://news.yahoo.com/coroner-rules-...192521462.html