Chester Bennington, who was the lead singer for rock bands Linkin Park, Dead by Sunrise and Stone Temple Pilots, was found dead at his residence after he took his own life by hanging on Thursday. According to TMZ, the 41-year-old rock artist was home alone when he committed suicide on the day of Chris Cornell's birthday. The Soundgarden vocalist, who would have been 53 years old, also died in an apparent suicide on May 18, 2017.
Bennington on Cornell's death
The Linkin Park singer was deeply affected when his friend, idol, and co-singer died two months ago.
In fact, Bennington even wrote a heartfelt letter to express his grief on Cornell's passing. "I can't imagine the world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life," he wrote.
With all of my love @chriscornell. pic.twitter.com/NFz0dnxfp8
— Chester Bennington (@ChesterBe) May 18, 2017
Bennington also paid tribute by singing Leonard Cohan's "Hallelujah" at Cornell's funeral service. Their love of music was their common ground which has strengthened their decade-long friendship. The two rock icons have performed together on several occasions.
The "In The End" artist, on the other hand, had always been expressive of his admiration of Cornell. Bennington said he is just honored to have shared the stage with some of the most popular artists in the music industry.
He specifically mentioned the Soundgarden singer whom he considered his inspiration.
"I'm just like, "What world do I live in, 'cause this can't be real?" And I love watching other guys play and I love being pushed mentally to try to do my best," he told Rolling Stone in a 2008 interview.
Celebrities react to Bennington's death
Linkin Park just released their newest album, titled "One More Light," on May 19. Their seventh studio album consists ten tracks and features Pusha T, Stormzy, and Kiiara. The rock band also collaborated with Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Ross Golan, Blackbeard, and Eg White for the release.
Bennington's apparent death stunned his co-artists and fans who were left heartbroken over the passing of the rock legend. Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda confirmed the unfortunate news, while One Republic extended their condolences to the bereaved loved ones of Bennington.
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
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
Rihanna remembered the Linkin Park vocalist as the "most impressive talent" she has ever known in the rock industry, while Justin Timberlake described Bennington as a "truly unique" and "humble" vocalist.
System of a Down's Daron Malakian, on the other hand, took to Instagram to share his old school photo with the co-artist and recalled the first time they met during a show.
"I was in a bad mood backstage and he came into the dressing room and lifted my spirits before I took the stage. Working with Chester and Linkin Park on the song "Rebellion" was some of the most fun I've had collaborating with another artist," he wrote.
