Linkin Park Pays Tribute to Chester Bennington One Year After His Suicide
On Friday, Linkin Park band members Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, Dave Farrell, Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson shared a message on Instagram to the late Chester Bennington, who died by suicide one year ago. The post read,
To our brother Chester,
It has been a year since your passing—a surreal rotation of grief, heartbreak, refusal, and recognition. And yet it [still] feels like you are close by, surrounding us with your memory and your light. Your one-of-a-kind spirit has authored an indelible imprint on our hearts—our jokes, our joy, and our tenderness.
Eternally grateful for the love, life, and creative passion you shared with us and the world. We miss you more than words can express.
Love,
M, J, D, R, B
The post included the hashtag #MakeChesterProud, which was started by bandmate Mike Shinoda to honor Chester after his death, and #320ChangesDirection, the organization Bennington’s wife Talinda Bennington founded to raise mental health awareness.
Anniversaries after someone dies by suicide can be especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, suicide loss survivors are at a higher risk for having related mental health struggles and engaging in suicidal behavior.
Dese’Rae L. Stage, a suicide loss survivor and founder of Live Through This, lost a close friend to suicide a little more than 10 years ago. She explained that memorable time-markers, like birthdays and anniversaries, can be triggering for those left behind. “Important days remind you of everything that is gone in that person you lost,” she told The Mighty. “You think of the people you lost frequently, but especially on those days because it’s a day anchored in time. It can be really difficult for people and really triggering.”
Linkin Park frontman Mike Shinoda also shared a personal note on his Instagram. “No photo is the right photo, no words are the right words. I’ve spent the morning revisiting old memories and reading your posts about Chester,” he wrote. “Thank you all for honoring his insane talent, unstoppable passion, and huge heart today. Keep your head up, and take care of yourselves.”
Linkin Park fans around the world have been tweeting support for one another.
We are coming up on the last few hours until the last parts of our world enter the 20th of July.
Take care of yourself. Stay with safe, positive people. Be alone if you need time to yourself. Stay within the community that understands you.
— LPFanCorner (@LPFanCorner) July 20, 2018
“When you’re at the bottom, the only way you can go is up. Make today yours. You are a miracle, never forget that.” #MakeChesterProud
— Linkin Park Live (@LPLive) July 20, 2018
“Remember you’re loved and you always will be” #MakeChesterProud
Let’s get through this week by helping each other ❤️✨????
— c@z (@_cazsputnick) July 16, 2018
This solidarity in the Linkin Park Community is really overwhelming. Although you don't know each other personally and don't see each other.. There is a connection so deep. Never expected that. Wow! #lpfamily #MakeChesterProud
— ????️CeeCee????️on the way finding peace✌️ (@onlineceec) July 19, 2018
If you are struggling with the anniversary of Chester Bennington’s death, you are not alone. Keep reaching out and supporting one another. Never forget you matter. For more resources for suicide loss survivors click here.
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Rubén G. Herrera
Hi, I'm Juliette. I'm the former Mental Health Editor at The Mighty. I joined The Mighty because I believe storytelling is a powerful tool in raising awareness about mental health and trauma. I'm inspired every day by the brave vulnerability of our community. #MightyTogether
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