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. The King County Medical Examiner's Office and Seattle Police Department issued statements dismissing recent tabloid reports claiming Cobain was the victim of a homicide, stating they have seen no new evidence that would warrant reopening the investigation.

Why it matters

The death of Kurt Cobain in 1994 was a seminal moment in music history, with the Nirvana singer's suicide sparking ongoing debate and conspiracy theories. This latest statement from Seattle authorities reaffirms the official position that Cobain's death was a suicide, despite periodic attempts to revive the case.

The details

According to the statement from the King County Medical Examiner's Office, they conducted a full autopsy and followed all standard procedures in determining Cobain's death was a suicide. The office said they are open to revisiting the case if new evidence emerges, but have seen nothing to date that would warrant reopening the investigation. The Seattle Police Department also issued a statement confirming Cobain died by suicide in 1994 and that the case is closed.

  • Kurt Cobain died in 1994.
  • The King County Medical Examiner's Office and Seattle Police Department issued their statements on February 12, 2026.

The players

King County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that conducted the original autopsy and investigation into Kurt Cobain's death, which was ruled a suicide.

Seattle Police Department

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

Kurt Cobain

The lead singer of the grunge rock band Nirvana, whose death by suicide in 1994 was a seminal moment in music history.

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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 authorities' reaffirmation of the suicide ruling in the Kurt Cobain case underscores the finality of the investigation and the lack of compelling new evidence, despite periodic attempts to revive conspiracy theories surrounding his death. This closure provides some measure of resolution for Cobain's fans and the music community, even as the tragedy of his passing continues to resonate.