On July 20th, 2017, Chester Bennington, frontman of Linkin Park, was found dead in his home. It was later announced by the Los Angeles County Coroner that the cause of his death was suicide. Chester Bennington struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation as a result of childhood trauma and abuse.
On July 24th, 2017, Linkin Park released a statement on the singer’s abrupt, and heart-wrenching death.
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,
Our thoughts are with Bennington, his family, friends, and Linkin Park through this ill-fated situation.
You are worth so much more than you give yourself credit for.
If you feel trapped, with no hope, and no escape, there is no shame in wanting help. You have survived one-hundred percent of your bad days, and I know you have more in you to keep it going.
You don’t always have to be happy, but much like the sun, it sets into darkness and rises again – and you will too.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Text “GO” or “START” to 741741
Teen Helpline
(310)-855-4673
Text “TEEN” to 839863
Suicide Hotline – Text Based Messenger
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
1-866-488-7386
Depression Hotline
1-603-482-9696
Click here for more U.S. & International options
