Chester Bennington’s Linkin Park bandmates have shared a heartfelt letter posted in honor of the singer who died last week, writing, “you touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized.”
“Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious,” read the statement. “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.”
Bennington was found dead in his home Thursday morning at the age of 41 as a result of hanging. According to the coroner’s office, Bennington hanged himself from a bedroom door.
He was good friends with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who was found dead in May. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Thursday would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
News of Bennington’s death came just hours after Linkin Park released its latest music video, “Talking to Myself.” The band, which released its latest album “One More Light” in May, was scheduled to hit the road again later this month. The band has since canceled its upcoming tour.
Read the letter 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