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Linkin Park pen letter to Chester Bennington and launch suicide prevention site

Last week, the music world was shocked and saddened by the sudden suicide of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estate in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Chester Bennington died by hanging himself last week (Photo: WENN.com)
Chester Bennington died by hanging himself last week (Photo: WENN.com)

The 41-year-old singer commited suicide by hanging, leaving behind his wife and six children, but also his devastated bandmates Mike Shinoda, John Hahn, Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson.

They have set up the site, chester.linkinpark.com, in his honour which lists suicide prevention information including phone numbers for the US services Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.

They also penned a heartbreaking letter to their singer, saying his family ‘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.’

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)

They said 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.’

The note ends “until we see you again” and is signed off LP.

Linkin Park will not perform their upcoming shows, and their fellow nineties rockers Blink 182 announced they have also pulled out of their forthcoming two-date tour together, ‘Welcome to Blinkin-Park’.

Chester on stage in Linkin Park (Twitter/Linkin Park)
Chester on stage in Linkin Park (Twitter/Linkin Park)

They said in a statement: ‘We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Chester Bennington. The Linkin Park One More Light North American Tour has been canceled and refunds are available at point of purchase. Our thoughts go out to all those affected.’

Chester will be remembered for soothing a generation’s teenage angst through his impassioned hits and cathartic lyrics and for being adored by his bandmates, friends, family and fans.

The Samaritans are free to call anytime on 116 123 or visit Mind’s website.

In the US, if you are in crisis or need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14.

Hotlines in other countries can be found here.

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