The Linkin Park frontman died by “possible suicide” on Thursday morning.
Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington died at age 41 on Thursday morning. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office said that it was on the scene at the singer’s Palos Verdes estate investigating a “possible suicide.” The band had just released its seventh studio OneMoreLight, and was embarking on an extensive North American tour this summer and in the fall.
The singer struggled with drug and alcohol addictions at various times during his life. His band had a string of hits over nearly two decades, with their debut album Hybrid Theory going diamond in album sales.
Linkin Park bandmember Mike Shinoda confirmed the news in a tweet: “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.” Later in the day, the band posted a photo of Bennington in remembrance. “Chester was one of the kindest men I’ve had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly,” tweeted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx also remembered Bennington, tweeting, “I am in tears. Chester just told me how happy he was… He was such a sweet and talented man… I feel so sad for his family, band mates and fan
The Linkin Park frontman was found dead of an apparent suicide on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
Less than two months ago, Chester Bennington mourned the death of his friend and hero Chris Cornell by performing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” alongside Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson at the Soundgarden singer’s private Los Angeles funeral. Now, on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday, Bennington was found dead at age 41 of an apparent suicide. While the May 26 Hollywood Forever funeral service was private, Bennington and Delson’s performance took place outside, so fans waiting for the public memorial afterward captured 30 seconds of audio from the tribute.
Peep the video below to hear Chester Bennington Sing ‘Hallelujah’ at Chris Cornell’s Funeral:
Back on May 18, the day of Cornell’s death, Bennington shared an emotional message to the late rocker. “I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family,” Bennington wrote. “You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivaled. your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one.” Cornell toured with Linkin Park in the late ’00s, where Bennington would join the singer onstage for Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike.”