Celebrities React: Chester Bennington Dead, Linkin Park Singer Dies In Suicide
Truth rating: 10
(Getty Images)
By Shari Weiss | 2:43 pm, July 20, 2017
Celebrities are reacting to the death of
Chester Bennington. The 41-year-old
Linkin Park singer was found dead on Thursday in an apparent suicide. See Twitter tributes and remembrances from stars below.
Bennington committed suicide by hanging in a home located in Los Angeles. He was found shortly before 9 a.m. local time. In years past, the rocker spoke candidly about struggling with drugs and alcohol, and confessed to having suicidal thoughts as the result of childhood sex abuse. He was a friend of Chris Cornell, who also committed suicide by hanging earlier this year, and attended his funeral in May. Bennington’s death comes on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
As the lead singer for Linkin Park, he won two Grammy Awards. The first, in 2002, was for Best Hard Rock Performance for “Crawling,” a song off the band’s breakout album,
Hybrid Theory. In 2006, the group’s work with Jay Z on “Numb/Encore” scored Best Rap/Sung Performance. Bennington earned a number of other honors with his band mates over the years. Their seventh and most recent album,
One More Light, came out in May. Bennington was also a vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots in 2013 until 2015.
Band mate
Mike Shinoda tweeted, “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.” Among the first to react to Bennington’s passing was
Jimmy Kimmel, who tweeted, “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.”
Ashley Greene wrote, “Saddened to learn about the passing of the talented Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. My heart breaks for his family and children.” And
Imagine Dragons said, “no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.”
“RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park,” posted
Chance The Rapper.
OneRepublic expressed, “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.”
Josh Groban shared, “Label mate and all around nice cool talented guy. We came up at the same time at @wbr. F*ck. RIP Chester.”
Pete Wentz stated, “Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.”
Ryan Seacrest said, “The news about Chester Bennington is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @linkinpark. Such a tragic loss.”
Joel Madden wrote, “There are no words…”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. told followers, “Crazy sad news about Chester Bennington.. #linkinpark #RIP If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, @800273TALK.”
Rob Thomas announced, “song of the day: NUMB – LINKIN PARK.” Said
Mark Ballas, “RIP Chester Bennington. Another great gone too soon. If you’re hurting, struggling or just need some 1 to talk to. Reach out.”
Pusha T wrote, “Chester it was truly a pleasure, thank you for sharing your greatness… #RIP #LinkinPark.”
Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects said, “Saddened to hear of the passing of Chester from @linkinpark. Another gifted voice silenced to the spirit in the sky-forever alive in song.”
American Authors stated, “Chester Bennington thank you for your music and incredible voice. Another legendary singer gone. Sending our hearts #rip #LinkinPark.”
Tom Arnold said, “He was a good boy. Never meant RIP so much.”
“RIP Chester Bennington. This feels like a kick in the chest. My December has pulled me through many times. Depression is a real monster,” tweeted
Gabourey Sidibe.
Elvis Duran, who featured Bennington on his show earlier this year (see photo above), commented, “Seeming to be happy is never enough. RIP @ChesterBe.”
Talib Kweli Greene remarked, “He is so brilliant. Showed myself and others an incredible amount of love. He will be missed.”
Bella Thorne‏ told followers, “#rip #chester my heart and soul goes out to everyone affected by this loss.”
Nick Swardson posted, “Love goes out to @mikeshinoda and the Linkin Park family. What an awful nightmare. RIP in Chester. Thank you for your soul.” Tweeted
Kendra Wilkinson, “Dude sucks to hear about @ChesterBe damn! RIP.”
Juicy J said, “We lost another legend R.I.P. Chester Bennington of (linkin park) prayers up for the family so sad.”
Dwayne Johnson tweeted, “So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.”
Nick Jonas offered, “This is heartbreaking. RIP Chester. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. Meanwhile,
Nikki Sixx confessed, “I am in tears.” He added, “Chester just told me how happy he was… He was such a sweet and talented man… I feel so sad for his family, band mates and fans.”
Chad Johnson simply said, “R.I.P Chester Bennington.”
Constantine Maroulis exclaimed, “Just… NO!”
Tess Holliday also revealed, “You guys have no idea how obsessed I was with Linkin Park as a teenager… I’m so sad to hear about @ChesterBe.” And
Mark McGrath expressed, “My God, please say it isn’t so…”
Hours before the news of Bennington’s death broke, Linkin Park released a new music video for the song “One More Light.” The group has been on a break from the “One More Light Tour” since July 6, and was scheduled to resume with a North American leg on July 27. Dates were scheduled through November. The band also recently filmed an installment of “Carpool Karaoke” for Apple Music.
Bennington is survived by six children, as well as his second wife, Talinda Ann Bentley.
Gossip Cop extends condolences to all family, friends and fans.