After news broke that Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington had committed suicide at the age of 41, fans and fellow musical artists took to social media to share their sorrow and condolences with his family.
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Bennington’s bandmate Mike Shinoda confirmed the devastating news on Twitter, saying the band is “shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true” and promising an official statement is on its way.
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
Many other bands and solo artists, including Chance the Rapper, One Republic and jack Barakat of All Time Low, expressed their grief and praised Bennington for his contributions to contemporary music.
A friend just told me about Chester Bennington: I'm devastated. I just saw him a few weeks ago and he looked so happy…RIP Chester…
— Jeff Stinco (@jeffstinco) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/JackAllTimeLow/status/888100228255162370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com%2Fnews%2F3026335%2Fcelebrities-remember-linkin-park-chester-bennington%2F
RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park 🙏🏾
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) 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
My heart is shattered. I can't fucking believe this is real. Crying writing this now. Destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MeEBJD9gi3
— Steve Aoki (@steveaoki) July 20, 2017
Just heard that the singer of one of the bands ever, Chester B of @linkinpark, has passed. Incredibly sad news – condolences to family.
— heely king (@SilentGarrett) July 20, 2017
Without @linkinpark, there would without a doubt be no GSK. #RIPChester 💔
— Green Screen Kid (@GSKband) July 20, 2017
Definitely one of my 2 biggest musical influences is @linkinpark GUTTED to hear that their lead singer Chester has lost his battle #chester
— Joefordmusic (@Joefordmusic) July 20, 2017
RELATED: Fans of Linkin Park are mourning the sudden loss of one of the band’s most iconic members
Hundreds of fans flooded their social media timelines with messages about how influential Bennington’s music has been on their own personal lives and how listening to Linkin Park has gotten them through many tough times.
https://twitter.com/adampearce94/status/888102817898037248
https://twitter.com/lorfenzgaming/status/888102348156948482
Linkin Park was such a huge part of my life growing up. This is too much for me 😢
— Alec Schmidt (@AlecSchmidt12) July 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/mariebray/status/888102414997442561
Even several record labels and music streaming platforms released statements following the unexpected tragedy.
Absolutely gutted to read news that Chester Bennington of Linkin Park has passed away. His music touched people profoundly. pic.twitter.com/3Y6iHz5Lcm
— Zia Records (@ZiaRecords) July 20, 2017
We're heartbroken to hear about the passing of @LinkinPark's Chester Bennington. Heartfelt condolences to his family. #RIP
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) July 20, 2017
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the singer committed suicide via hanging after his body was discovered on Thursday morning. He leaves behind a wife and six children.
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