Chester Bennington, frontman for the rock outfit Linkin Park, has died of an apparent suicide, according to a report from TMZ. Bennington reportedly hung himself at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates, California, where his body was discovered earlier today. Bennington, who was close friends with Chris Cornell, struggled with substance abuse and depression, and had reportedly threatened suicide in the past. He was 41.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bennington joined Linkin Park in 2000, when he co-wrote the lyrics and performed most of the vocals on the group’s debut album, Hybrid Theory. He stayed with the band until his death, through its evolution from a nu metal group into a wider range of musical styles on its albums Minutes To Midnight and A Thousand Suns. He also fronted a side project called Dead By Sunrise, and joined Stone Temple Pilots after Scott Weiland’s departure in 2013. Linkin Park’s seventh album, One More Light, was released on May 19 of this year.
Bennington is survived by six children, his wife Talinda Bentley, and his ex-wife Samantha Olit.