Chester Bennington, lead singer for rock band Linkin Park, has died and his death is being investigated as a possible suicide, authorities said Thursday. He was 41.
Responding to a call, police found Bennington dead Thursday morning at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, Xinhua reported while quoting Brian Elias, chief of operations for the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
The singer battled addictions to drugs and alcohol over the years and acknowledged having contemplated suicide as a youth after being sexually molested.
Bennington was close to Soundgarden front man Chris Cornell, who died in May of an apparent suicide.
Thursday would have been Cornell's 53rd birthday.
His death was confirmed by co-vocalist and lead guitarist of Linkin Park, Mike Shinoda on Twitter.
Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
While fans went into mourning, those in the music world paid tribute to Bennington
Gracious, kind & humble. A rare combination in Rock & Roll. Deeply saddened... pic.twitter.com/cVtNEzrjHD
— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) 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
Chester had 6 kids. If anyone out there thinks the world is better without you. You are so unspeakably wrong on every level. Get help plz
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
Founded in 1996, Linkin Park made seven albums and had hits with songs including "In the End" and "Crawling." Their latest release, "One More Light" debuted at No 1 on the Billboard album chart.
In addition to his work with Linkin Park, Bennington did a stint as lead vocalist with Stone Temple Pilot.
The twice-married Bennington is survived by six children.