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.

Chester in February in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Chester in February in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

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 Bennington (L) and musician Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park in 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Chester Bennington (L) and musician Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park in 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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.

Gonna miss you

A post shared by Fred Durst (@freddurst) on Jul 20, 2017 at 11:30am 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

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)’

Grime star Stormzy recently teamed up with Chester rocker and his group on the track ‘Good Goodbye’ and expressed his shock at the news.

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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