Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington Dies By Suicide

Chester Bennington, the lead singer for Linkin Park, died by suicide, TMZ reported on Thursday. The singer was 41 years old.

According to TMZ, Bennington struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years, and said he had suicidal ideations after being abused as a child by an older man.

Bennington was friends with Chris Cornell, the lead singer for Soundgarden, who died by suicide in May. After Cornell’s passing, Bennington shared an open letter to the singer on Twitter, thanking him for talent and friendship.

With all of my love @chriscornell. pic.twitter.com/NFz0dnxfp8

— Chester Bennington (@ChesterBe) May 18, 2017

Reacting to the news, fans and friends shared their condolences as well as how Bennington and his music affected them.

whether you were a fan or not, Linkin Park defined a generation of music. the world has lost an iconic voice #RIPChesterBennington

— rad scientist (@pls_louise) July 20, 2017

Wow. Linkin Park seriously helped me w/ some feelings I was going thru at a hard time. RIP Chester. My thoughts are w/ his friends & family.

— Thomas Sanders (@ThomasSanders) 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

Linkin Park always been one of my fave bands, what a loss for music ???? so sad, completely shocked #RIPChester

— Sean Lemon (@badman_sean) July 20, 2017

At some point or the other, Linkin Park spoke to or for all of us. Many times, it was the only band that seemed to make sense.

— Nigel Britto (@NigelBritto) July 20, 2017

If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who are feeling suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.

Editor’s note: The Mighty follows suicide prevention experts’ recommendations for reporting on suicide. When sharing or reporting Bennington’s death, please refrain from sharing the method.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

If you or a loved one is affected by sexual abuse or assault and need help, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

Photo via Linkin Park Facebook.