Seattle Authorities Confirm Kurt Cobain Death Case Remains Closed

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

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Authorities in Seattle have reaffirmed that the case surrounding the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, which was ruled a suicide in 1994, remains closed. This comes after a recent U.K. tabloid report claimed an independent investigation alleged Cobain was actually the victim of a homicide. However, the King County Medical Examiner's Office and Seattle Police Department have stated they have seen no new evidence that would warrant reopening the case, and they stand by their original determination of suicide.

Why it matters

The death of Kurt Cobain in 1994 was a defining moment in music history, and the circumstances surrounding his passing have long been the subject of intense speculation and conspiracy theories. This latest development reaffirms the official position that Cobain took his own life, despite ongoing efforts by some to challenge the accepted narrative.

The details

According to the statement from the King County Medical Examiner's Office, they worked with local law enforcement, conducted a full autopsy, and followed all standard procedures in determining Cobain's death was a suicide. The office says they are open to revisiting their conclusion if new evidence emerges, but they have seen nothing to date that would warrant reopening the case. The Seattle Police Department has also reiterated that Cobain died by suicide in 1994, and the case remains closed.

  • Kurt Cobain died in April 1994.
  • The King County Medical Examiner's Office made its original suicide determination in 1994.

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.

Kurt Cobain

The lead singer and guitarist of the grunge rock band Nirvana, who died by suicide in 1994 at the age of 27.

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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 Health 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 position on Kurt Cobain's death remains unchanged, with authorities in Seattle standing firm on their original 1994 suicide ruling despite recent tabloid claims to the contrary. This reaffirms the accepted narrative around one of the most tragic and influential figures in music history, underscoring the finality of the case unless significant new evidence emerges.