Chester Bennington Commits Suicide At 41

It is with a heavy heart to say that the legendary Chester Bennington of Linkin Park has committed suicide this morning. He hanged himself at his home on what would be his dear friend Chris Cornell's 53rd birthday.

Allow us to step away from professionalism for a second and say that this is one of the most heartbreaking days for my life as a musician. Chester has always been a huge inspiration to me and a hero for as long as I can remember. When I went to the secret Linkin Park show in the subway of New York City two months ago and got to hold his hand, I'll never forget him saying "Thank you for everything."

Chester was one of the first people to give us a big break, retweeting our review of the band's promotional single 'Battle Symphony' back in March. From there we began being noticed by Mike Shinoda and the rest of the band. Chester believed in our message and shared our words on his own art, and that's an experience we will never forget.

I wrote my goodbye in a post on fansite Linkin Park Live, and here is an excerpt:

“Linkin Park is a band that has touched everyone in every part of the globe whether all they knew was ‘In The End’ and ‘Numb’ or whether they were the true hardcore fans that loved ‘And One’ to death. Whether it was just an angsty teenage fad for you or a lifelong dedication, Linkin Park was always there for you in your life. Chester’s voice and musicianship was something of legend and something that this world may never see again.

We don’t know what the future holds for Linkin Park, or for any of us, in fact. What I do know is that no matter what happens going forward that we are all a family, united by a love for music and this band.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from problems with mental health, please go to someone.

This goes to show you that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have. Mental illness can affect anyone. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call someone or a Suicide Prevention Hotline. Your life is valuable and there are people who love you and will be devastated if you leave too soon. Everyone here will always be here for you if you need it. Don’t lose hope. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for everything, Chester. Goodbye and we hope from the bottom of our hearts that you’ve escaped your demons. Rest in peace.”

Rest in peace, Chester. Thank you for everything you've done for the world and for us. You will never be forgotten.