Unfortunately, we have lost another terribly talented individual to suicide. According to a spokesman for the LA County Coroner, Chester Bennington of popular nu-metal band Linkin Park was found dead on Thursday at only 41 years old.
Law enforcement sources have released that the singer hung himself at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. County. The coroner’s office was called and arrived at the Palos Verdes Estates shortly after 9 am. Authorities said they were treating the case as a possible suicide. It has been confirmed, however, that this was, in fact, the cause of death.
“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 on death of Bennington
About Bennington
Personal Life
The Linkin Park frontman was very open about the trauma and negativity within his life. Bennington began smoking pot after his parents divorced when he was 11, which then led to cocaine and methamphetamine use. Additionally, the singer also suffered from trauma via sexual abuse as a child.
Bennington was also a loving father to a whole heap of kiddos. The singer had a child, Jaime, from a previous relationship with Elka Brand. He also adopted his son, Isaiah. He had one child, Draven Sebastian, with former wife Samantha Marie Olit and three children – Tyler, Lily, and Lila – with Talinda Ann Bentley.
Bennington and Linkin Park
Bennington was nearly ready to quit his musical career completely when Jeff Blue – the vice president of A&R at Zomba Music in Los Angeles – offered him an audition. This audition was with the future members of Linkin Park. The band went on to create anthems for the angsty and poetry for the broken, and we are all thankful to say the very least.
Surely he will be dearly missed, and we send our condolences to his children, friends, family, and fans.