How Did Kurt Cobain Really Die? The Murder Conspiracy Theory, Explained Kelly Conaboy · 03/10/15 01:35PM On April 8th, 1994, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was found dead of a gunshot wound sustained on April 5th, 1994, in his Seattle home. Many, including the Seattle Police Department, believe this gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Some do not.