Linkin Park Singer, Chester Bennington Commits Suicide at 41

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has sadly committed suicide at the age of 41. Authorities found him hanged at his private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. County. His body was discovered Thursday just before 9 AM.

Married to Talinda Bennington with 6 children, the singer struggled with drugs and alcohol for years. As a victim to child abuse, Chester had openly admitted to contemplating suicide in the past.

Chester was good friends with Chris Cornell, lead vocalist for Audioslave and Soundgarden, who committed suicide by hanging in May of 2017. Today marks Cornell’s 53rd birthday. It’s clear the emotional weight of Cornell’s death accompanied by Chester’s addictions had gotten the best of him.

In an interview with Team Rock, Chester opened up about his difficult battle with drug addiction.

“I was on 11 hits of acid a day. I dropped so much acid I’m surprised I can still speak! I’d smoke a bunch of crack, do a bit of meth and just sit there and freak out. Then I’d smoke opium to come down. I weighed 110 pounds. So I used pot to get off drugs.”

On top of it, Chester was also an alcoholic. “I lived on alcohol”. He recalls the day his wife, Talinda said to him, “I don’t think there’s been a day since I’ve known you that you haven’t drank”.

Linkin Park has had a number of hits since their inception in 1996, consistently reaching the top 40 charts with songs like “Breaking The Habit,” “In the End” and “Numb”. Their album, “Meteroa,” was one of the most popular alternative albums in music history.

If you or someone you know has trouble with addiction or suicidal thoughts please seek help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255