LINKIN PARK ROCKER FOUND HANGED
Lead singer and dad of six commits suicide aged 41
THE music world was last night mourning the death of Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington, who reportedly hung himself. His body was found shortly before 9am yesterday at a house in Palos Verdes Estates, Los Angeles. The 41-year-old married father of six had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years. Before his death, Chester said he had considered committing suicide because he had been abused as a child by an older man. His close friend Chris Cornell, lead singer of grunge rockers Soundgarden, took his own life in May. Chester and Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson performed Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah for mourners at Chris’s funeral.
Musicians and actors took to social media to offer their condolences and spread mental health awareness.
Linkin Park guitarist Mike Shinoda said he was “shocked and heartbroken” to hear about his bandmate‘s death.
US talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel wrote on social media: “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.”
OneRepublic shared: “Massive RIP to Chester Bennington. This breaks our heart. Suicide is the devil on Earth walking among us.”
Chance the Rapper penned: “Tragic ending. Condolences to his friends and family and Linkin Park.”
Chester revealed in the past that he began abusing drugs shortly after his parents divorced when he was 11 years old.
He admitted using cannabis, opium-based drugs, cocaine and methamphetamine. But he overcame his addiction before speaking out about his abuse to warn others.