Seattle Authorities Confirm Kurt Cobain Death Case Remains Closed

Officials stand by 1994 suicide ruling despite recent tabloid claims of homicide

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Authorities in Seattle have reaffirmed that the case on the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, which was ruled a suicide in 1994, remains closed. The King County Medical Examiner's Office and Seattle Police Department issued statements saying they have seen no new evidence that would warrant reopening the investigation, despite a recent tabloid report claiming Cobain was the victim of a homicide.

Why it matters

The death of Kurt Cobain in 1994 was a seminal moment in music history, and the circumstances surrounding his passing have long been the subject of intense public scrutiny and conspiracy theories. This latest development reaffirms the official position that Cobain's death was a suicide, providing closure for his fans and family.

The details

According to the statements, the King County Medical Examiner's Office conducted a full autopsy and followed all standard procedures in determining Cobain's death to be a suicide. The office said it would be open to revisiting the case if new evidence emerged, but that it has seen nothing to date that would warrant a reinvestigation. The Seattle Police Department also reiterated that Cobain died by suicide in 1994 and that the case is closed.

  • Kurt Cobain died by suicide in 1994.
  • The King County Medical Examiner's Office issued its statement on February 13, 2026.

The players

King County Medical Examiner's Office

The public health agency responsible for investigating Cobain's death and determining the manner of his passing.

Seattle Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that worked with the Medical Examiner's Office on the Cobain investigation.

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What they’re saying

“In the death examination for Kurt Cobain, the King County Medical Examiner's Office worked with the local law enforcement agency, conducted a full autopsy, and followed all of its procedures in coming to the determination of the manner of death as a suicide.”

— King County Medical Examiner's Office, Public Information Officer (ABC Audio)

“Kurt Cobain died by suicide in 1994. This case is closed.”

— Seattle Police Department (ABC Audio)

The takeaway

The official closure of the Kurt Cobain death investigation reaffirms the long-standing conclusion that the Nirvana frontman's passing was a tragic suicide, putting to rest the latest round of conspiracy theories and providing some measure of closure for his fans and loved ones.