One of the most iconic figures of African American culture, Don Cornelius, has died. The founder and host of ‘Soul Train’ was found dead in his California home and police officials have deemed this shocking situation as an apparent suicide.

Cornelius reportedly suffered from severe health problems during the last few years as well as emotional issues related to his bitter divorce in 2010. His body was found at 4am PT with what police assumed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Read details about Cornelius’ passing below

 Don Cornelius – who famously created “Soul Train” was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning … and law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide.

We’re told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT.  Law enforcement sources tell us … Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted. We’re told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Soul Train” changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006. Officials have notified Don’s family. Cornelius was 75.

During Don’s bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from “significant health issues” and wanted to “finalize this divorce before I die.”

Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife.  He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation.  His probation just terminated. The divorce was granted in 2010.

Sources close to Don tell us … the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years … including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.

Read more on TMZ.

‘Soul Train’ aired on television for 35 years from 1971 to 2006. It was the longest-running syndicated show of its kind in the history of the US. The Lava Lizard paid tribute to the series in a previous edition of Way Back Wednesday as we remembered Cornelius’ contributions to popular culture and entertainment.

As we say “love, peace and soul!” in memory of the icon, let’s watch Cornelius dance in his famous ‘Soul Train’ line below:

Thoughts?