Lead singer of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, dies age 41
CHESTER Bennington, the lead singer of band Linkin Park, has reportedly committed suicide.
TMZ reports that 41-year-old was found dead in Los Angeles just before 9am local time (11pm AEST)
Chester was married to Talinda Ann Bentley and had three children with her and another three children from a previous relationship.
Bennington had been open about his battles with drugs and alcohol.
He has said in the past that he considered suicide because he had been abused as a child by an older male.
Bennington was close friends with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. Today, would have been Cornell's 53rd birthday.
Bennington wrote an open letter to Cornell on the day of his suicide in May and later performed Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah at the funeral service.
Linkin Park had many hits, including In The End, and their album Meteroa was a huge success.
In The End - Linkin Park
Tributes immediately started to roll in following news of his death, with many expressing their shock and sadness.
"Chester was one of the kindest men I've had on my show," Jimmy Kimmel tweeted. "My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly."
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.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 20, 2017
Band One Republic said the news "breaks our heart".
Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us 😞
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017
RIP Chester Bennington. This feels like a kick in the chest. My December has pulled me through many times. Depression is a real monster.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) July 20, 2017
Chester Bennington thank you for your music and incredible voice. Another legendary singer gone. Sending our hearts 💔#rip #LinkinPark
— American Authors (@aauthorsmusic) July 20, 2017
Label mate and all around nice cool talented guy. We came up at the same time at @wbr. Fuck. RIP Chester.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) July 20, 2017
The news about Chester Bennington is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @linkinpark. Such a tragic loss
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) July 20, 2017
If you are experiencing mental health issues or suicidal feelings contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call 000
