Keith Emerson’s death investigated as suicide – report

Police in Los Angeles are reportedly investigating the death of British rock icon Keith Emerson as a suicide.
The body of the Emerson, Lake and Palmer co-founder was discovered by his girlfriend at their Santa Monica home on Thursday (10Mar16).
A cause of death has yet to be announced, but sources tell TMZ.com the keyboardist suffered a single gunshot wound to the head – and now authorities are viewing the case as a suicide.
Insiders claim the 71-year-old rocker had been battling depression as he struggled with a degenerative nerve issue in his right hand, which had severely impacted his ability to play the keyboard.
He had been expected to embark on a tour of Japan next week (begs14Mar16).
A spokesperson for the band has yet to comment on the suicide report or the news of Emerson’s failing health.
A post on the group’s Facebook.com page on Friday (11Mar16) simply read: “We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71. We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected.”
Emerson’s bandmate, Carl Palmer, was among the first to pay tribute to his old pal.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson,” he wrote on his website. “Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.
“I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humour, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together. Rest in peace, Keith.”