Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington (centre) dead at 41
Stormzy, Pusha T and music world react after Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington dies aged 41.
Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died aged 41, LA County Coroner says.
The coroner said Bennington apparently hanged himself. His body was found at a private home in the county at 9am local time (17:00 GMT) on Thursday.
Bennington was close friends with Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell, who took his own life in May.
Formed in 1996, Linkin Park have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and have two Grammy Awards.
“Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true,” Bennington’s fellow Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda said on Twitter. “An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”
The band had a string of hits including Faint, In The End and Crawling, and collaborated with the rapper Jay-Z.
Bennington was married and had six children from two marriages.
UPDATE: Here’s Linkin Park’s statement left on the band’s Facebook Page:
“Dear Chester,
“Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.
“You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.
“Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.
“Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.
“Until we see you again,
“LP”
Here are a selection of tributes left on social media which we’ll update as news develops.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
"When life leaves us blind, love keeps us kind." – Chester Bennington. Rest easy sir. pic.twitter.com/RLhmf0UR0B
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/Stormzy1/status/888117486486409218
https://twitter.com/PUSHA_T/status/888103193715933184
In the end, it really matters. You will be missed. RIP Chester Bennington pic.twitter.com/wnjQDrlKvY
— Nicky Romero (@nickyromero) July 20, 2017
Chester Bennington. Just terrible news. RIP.
— Gary Numan (@numanofficial) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/OneRepublic/status/888103112602505216
He had such a huge part of my growing up. To the point where my first ever sim I created was Chester Bennington..
— Joe Sugg (@Joe_Sugg) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/mtvema/status/888123264857391104
So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 20, 2017
[paypal-donation]
