You have inspired me in many ways you could never have understood, Bennington wrote. Your gift was pure and unrivaled. Your voice has been pain and joy, anger and forgiveness, love and frustration all wrapped up into one. I hope you find peace. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.
In previous interviews, Bennington has talked about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. Its not cool to be an alcoholic its not cool to go drink and be a dumbass, he stated to Noisecreep in 2009. Its cool to be a part of recovery. This is who I am, this is what I write about, what I do, and most of my job has been a reflection of what Ive been going through in 1 way or another.
He shared details of an abusive childhood. In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, he said: When I was young, getting beaten up and pretty much raped was not any pleasure. Nobody wants that to happen to you and frankly, I dont remember when it began … My God, no wonder I became a drug addict. No wonder I just went insane.
Bennington is survived by six children, Jaime, Isaiah, Draven, Tyler Lee and twins Lily and Lila, and his wife Talinda Ann Bentley.
His Linkin Park bandmate Mike Shinoda tweeted that he was shocked and heartbroken at the news while other tributes have came from Rihanna, Nikki Sixx, Stormzy (with whom Bennington recently worked), Ohio governor John Kasich and Chance the Rapper.
Linkin Parks latest album One More Light was released in May; Benningtons death came only days before the group was due to kick off the US section of their world tour. A brand new video for Talking to Myself, including Bennington, was released this morning.
In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.
In Australia, the emergency support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14.