Tributes have been paid to Chester Bennington, the singer with US band Linkin Park, who has died tragically at the age of 41 in California.
Bennington was found dead at 9.00am on Thursday morning at his residence in Palos Verdes Estates in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
He is survived by his wife, Talinda Bennington, their twin daughters and son, and his three children from previous relationships.
— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda said he was "shocked and heartbroken" to learn of his bandmate's death.
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
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Bennington rose to fame with Linkin Park after they enjoyed massive success with their huge selling debut album, 2000's Hybrid Theory, which showcased their mixing of metal and rap.
The band have released six subsequent studio albums, including their latest, One More Light, which they brought out in May. Their hits include Faint, In the End and Crawling.
One of the most powerful vocalists in rock, Bennington also became the frontman for Stone Temple Pilots in February 2013 after they split with lead singer Scott Weiland.
Bennington amicably left Stone Temple Pilots in 2015 to resume work with Linkin Park. In December 2015, Weiland died of an accidental overdose at the age of 48.
Linkin Park, who made their Irish debut supporting Metallica in Dublin in 2003, were due to begin the US leg of their world tour next week.
Bennington, who had spoken over the years of his struggles with depression and alcohol, was a close friend of Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, who died in tragic circumstances in May.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit samaritans.org, contact the 24-hour helpline on 116123 or email: jo@samaritans.org.
Friends and fans have been paying tribute:
I am heartbroken you do not know what someone's going through serious. Prayers up for your family right now my brother ❤️💔❤️💔
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) July 20, 2017
Gracious, kind & humble. A rare combination in Rock & Roll. Deeply saddened... pic.twitter.com/cVtNEzrjHD
— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) July 20, 2017
Rest in Peace Chester Bennington x
— Biffy Clyro (@BiffyClyro) July 20, 2017
Rest In Peace Chester Bennington. Grew up listening to Linkin Park, he will live on forever through his music.
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) July 20, 2017
So sad to hear about the tragic end to Chester Bennington's life. Gone too soon after giving so much to people. May he Rest In Peace.
— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) July 20, 2017
The news about Chester Bennington is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @linkinpark. Such a tragic loss
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) July 20, 2017
RIP Chester B.
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) July 20, 2017
I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017
RIP Chester Bennington. This feels like a kick in the chest. My December has pulled me through many times. Depression is a real monster.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) July 20, 2017
no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017
Chester was one of the kindest men I've had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) 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
So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 20, 2017
Ihope you find peace in the next life Chester @ChesterBe Life is hard,everyone battles demons.I want everyone here to know you are not alone
— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) July 20, 2017
