The forty-one-year-oldLinkin Park vocalist hung himself at his residence in California earlier today. Chester Bennington’s suicide has left all the industry specialists in a shocker.
Linkin Park has sold close to 70 million albums since its inception in 1996.
The news came in a pretty ambiguous situation when BBC first reported, that Chester Bennington has taken his life in a private apartment somewhere in California by hanging himself to the ceiling fan.
Brian Elias, the chief of operations for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, confirmed the death, in Palos Verdes Estates, and said it was being investigated as a possible suicide after law enforcement authorities responded to a call shortly after 9 AM.
Bennington was said to be close to Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell, who took his own life in May. Linkin Park’s successful trick was to fuse elements of metal and rock with rap and hip-hop to shape the nu-metal genre on songs such as Crawling, In The End, and Numb.
Arguably their biggest asset was Chester’s powerhouse voice. He had a huge, raspy vocal which suited their stadium-filling, singalong anthems. Whilst his vocal persona could be described as angry and harsh, in person he was warm, articulate and funny.
Chester was previously seen speaking on his contemplation of suicide as a result of alcohol-drug abuse.
Celebrities all around the world mourned the death of LP Star.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
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
So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) 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
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