Chester Bennington, lead vocalist of Linkin Park, dies by suicide at the age of 41
The Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died at the age of 41, according to the website TMZ.
The website also reports that Bennington, who had six children from his two marriages and a previous relationship, died by suicide.
The news has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County coroner, whose spokesperson Brian Elias has said that the death is being investigated as a suicide.
Bennington was a close friend of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell, who tragically died, also by suicide, earlier this year. He performed at Cornell's funeral, and wrote a moving open letter to the music star after his death, describing how Cornell had "a pure and unrivalled talent" and " inspired me in many ways you could never have known".
Bennington died on Thursday morning, at his home in the Palos Verdes Estate in Los Angeles. His death was reportedly caused by hanging, according to TMZ.
On social media, Linkin Park fans have been quick to mourn his passing.
Unreal.. such a huge part of my teenage years. One of a kind voice, you will be missed. #Chester#linkinparkpic.twitter.com/2KAkUW3uVi
— colin.Torcho_™ (@Torcho_) July 20, 2017
I just saw the news about Chester Bennington. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The world lost a great soul today.
— NilesGregory (@NilesGregory) July 20, 2017
Linkin Park's debut Hybrid Theory, which became the soundtrack to many people's teenage years, sold 10 million copies after its release in 2000.
The band's most recent album, One More Light, was released in May 2017.