The death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington came as a shock to the world when it was announced, but it also struck similarities to the death of fellow rocker and close friend Chris Cornell, who killed himself in May.
Authorities are investigating Bennington’s death as an apparent suicide, Los Angeles County coroner spokesman Brian Elias has said. Bennington, who was 41, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles. He had a strong bond with Cornell and died on what would have been the Soundgarden singer’s 53rd birthday.
Bennington was also the godfather to Cornell’s 11-year-old son. And Bennington sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah at Cornell’s memorial.
The Cornells called Bennington a member of their family in a statement.
“The Cornell family is overwhelmed by the heartbreaking news about Chester Bennington which tragically comes so soon after their family’s own loss,” said a Cornell family spokesperson. “They open up their loving arms to Chester’s family and share in the sorrow with all those who loved him.”
Cornell died by hanging after a concert in Detroit. Linkin Park was set to go on tour next week.
“Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his band-mates and his many friends,” Warner Bros. Records CEO and Chairman Cameron Stang said in a statement.
