Linkin Park's Statement On Chester Bennington

Just a few days ago, the world was shocked to learn that Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington had died by suicide. Early Monday, July 24, Linkin Park released a statement on Bennington's passing on their website. In the touching note addressed to Bennington, the band references the outpouring of tributes to the singer following his passing.

Bennington's body was discovered on July 20 at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles County. Bennington, who was 41 years old when he passed away, had a close relationship with Soundgarden and Audioslave singer Chris Cornell, who died by suicide earlier this year.

According to LA County medical examiner-coroner spokesperson Ed Winter, Bennington died by hanging, the Los Angeles Times reported. Winter also noted that a half-empty bottle of alcohol was found in the room where Bennington's body was discovered.

In a letter posted on Linkin Park's official website, the band notes that Bennington's family and his wife, Talinda, are grateful for the support fans have shared online, and they also express how much Bennington will be missed. You can read the full text of the statement below:

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

The band has also created a page on their website (chester.linkinpark.com) offering suicide prevention resources.