Celebrity tributes flood in for Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington
Tributes have poured in from the showbiz world for Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who reportedly killed himself on Thursday leaving behind six children and his wife Talinda Ann Bentley.
The star, 41, was found hanged at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estate in Los Angeles just before 9am, TMZ reports.
Those closest to him have shared their heartbreak on social media with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda confirming the news and admitting he has been left ‘shocked and heartbroken’ by his friend’s untimely death.
‘Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one,’ he wrote on Twitter.
Chester was a close friend of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who took his own life in May, and his death came on what would have been the ‘You Know My Name’ singer’s 53rd birthday.
Chris’ widow Vicky tweeted: ‘Just when I thought my heart couldn’t break any more.’
A flood of music stars and celebrity fans have also expressed their shock and sadness online.
A post shared by Fred Durst (@freddurst) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:30am PDT
A post shared by Pharrell Williams (@pharrell) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT
Literally the most impressive talent I've ever seen live! Vocal beast! #RIPChester #LinkinPark
A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:37am PDT
Very sad to hear about the death of Chester Bennington, a huge talent and lovely guy gone far too soon. R
— Keane (@keaneofficial) July 21, 2017
"A Thousand Suns" got me through a horribly dark time. I'm indebted. Thank you and RIP Chester Bennington, wish you were here
— Joss Whedon (@joss) 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
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong paid tribute to Chester, while also encouraging others experiencing similar struggles to seek help.
‘i’ve met Chester a couple times. he was very kind and also very smart. and one hell of a singer. mental health and drug addiction are really complex issues. but just know you are not alone. rest in peace Chester. you will be missed .. suicide prevention hotline: +1 (844) 540-5889 (sic)’
The first concert I took my oldest son to: @linkinpark.#ChesterBennington was a genius & a gentleman. He inspired both of us.#RipChester
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) July 20, 2017
Today is a sad day. #ChesterBennington R.I.P
— Walking On Cars (@WalkingOnCars) 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
#RIPChesterBennington I remember the 1st day I went in the basement Warner Bros. Records #Burbank to hear you 1at… https://t.co/gDkXtq5Vge
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) July 20, 2017
Grime star Stormzy recently teamed up with Chester rocker and his group on the track ‘Good Goodbye’ and expressed his shock at the news.
Bruv I can't lie I'm so upset serious
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) July 20, 2017
I am heartbroken you do not know what someone's going through serious. Prayers up for your family right now my brother ❤️❤️
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) July 20, 2017
His songs saved me from suicide when I was younger it's really heartbreaking.
— Ande Strachan (@stormsfire) July 21, 2017
My Chemical Romance were ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragic passing of the ‘What I’ve Done’ singer – who had three children with wife Talinda Bentley and another three from previous relationships – because they “loved” him.
They wrote on their Twitter page: ‘We are deeply saddened by Chester’s death. We loved him. Our condolences to Chester’s family, Linkin Park, and all of their loved ones.’
Suicide is preventable. If you or anyone you know needs help contact the Samaritans.
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