San Diego

Linkin Park's Singer Dies at 41

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died of apparent suicide

The Los Angeles County coroner says Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who sold millions of albums with a unique mix of hard rock, hip-hop and rap, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles on Thursday. He was 41.

Coroner spokesman Brian Elias says they are investigating Bennington's death as an apparent suicide but no additional details were immediately available.

Bennington's body was discovered Thursday morning in the Palos Verdes Estates neighborhood of Los Angeles, TMZ first reported, citing law enforcement sources.

The singer, who sported piercings and tattoos, struggled with drug and alcohol addictions at various times during his life. He was married and is survived by six children.

He was reportedly also a good friend of late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who died by suicide in May at the age of 53.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that they responded to a call for a hanging in Palos Verdes Estates at 8:59 a.m. Thursday and that an adult male was declared dead at the scene. They were not able to immediately identify the deceased. NBCLA is reaching out to Bennington's representation for comment.

No stranger to San Diego over the years, Bennington and Linkin Park were scheduled to headline Chula Vista's Mattress Firm Amphitheatre on Oct. 20, with hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg. The band's latest album, "One More Light," topped the Billboard charts earlier this year upon release.

Live Nation San Diego said on Friday that the Oct. 20 show, along with the rest of the tour had been canceled and that refunds are available at the point of purchase.

"We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Chester Bennington," Live Nation's Casey Pukl said The Linkin Park One More Light North American Tour has been canceled and refunds are available at point of purchase. Our thoughts go out to all those affected.

SoundDiego has reached out to Live Nation San Diego for comment on the status of the planned Oct. 20 show. We will update this article as we hear back.

Mötley Crüe co-founder Nikki Sixx said on Twitter that he was in tears: “Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……I feel so sad for his family,band mates and fans,” Sixx tweeted.

NBCLA is also reaching out to Bennington's representation for comment.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.

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