Linkin Park

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died by suicide

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died by suicide, TMZ reports. They say that law enforcement sources told them Chester hanged himself at a private residency in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. County. His body was discovered this morning just before 9 AM. He was 41.

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda tweeted “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”

Several musicians have paid their respects to Chester, including Chance the Rapper, Run the Jewels, Passion Pit, Geoff Rickly, Pusha T, Chuck D and more.

Rest in peace, Chester.

Earlier this year Chester posted a letter to Chris Cornell after Chris’s own suicide by hanging. Chris, whose 53rd birthday would have been today, was a huge influence on Chester, whose letter read “I can’t imagine a world without you in it.” Videos of Chris and Chester performing together are below.

The band had just released a video for “Talking to Myself” off this year’s One More Light earlier today. They were set to play shows with blink-182 this year, including NYC’s Citi Field on July 28. blink-182’s Travis Barker posted the following:

Linkin Park broke through with their 2000 debut album Hybrid Theory, which spawned four popular singles (videos for all four below). A remix album (Reanimation) followed, and then the very successful sophomore album Meteora (2003) and then a collaborative album with Jay-Z, Collision Course (2004). They began a shift away from their initial sound with 2007’s Minutes to Midnight, and continued to experiment with their sound over the years up through this year’s electropop-inspired One More Light. From 2013 to 2015, Chester also sang lead for Stone Temple Pilots.

He was married to Samantha Marie Olit from 1996 to 2005, and has one child with her. He then married Talinda Ann Bentley, with whom he has three children. He also has one other child from a previous relationship, and an adopted son.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Site. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.