It's been a difficult day the friends and family of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington. He was found in his home just outside of Los Angeles, CA this morning and he died of a reported suicide by hanging. When the news initially broke, there was some confusion as to whether the report from TMZ was true, and co-frontman Mike Shinoda confirmed the news via Twitter:
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
The band have been silent since that statement, choosing instead to pay tribute via photos. The band updated their Facebook's cover photo and profile photo in tribute to Bennington.
The band must be completely heartbroken. They were scheduled to kick off a massive tour in support of their new album, One More Light next week. TMZ reports they were scheduled to partake in a photo shoot today in promotion of the tour, and an unidentified member of Linkin Park arrived at Chester's house to pick him up, shortly after police arrived. I can't imagine the trauma he must have gone through.
Elsewhere, Brian "Head" Welch caused a stir when in his tribute, he seemingly lashed out at Bennington in anger, writing on Facebook:
Honestly, Chester's an old friend who we've hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly pissing me off! How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I'm sick of this suicide shit! I've battled depression/mental illness, and I'm trying to be sempethetic, but it's hard when you're pissed! Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!
I'm sorry, I know meds and/or alcohol may have been involved, I'm just processing like all of us and I know we are all having some of the same thoughts/feelings.
Lord, take Chester in your arms and please re-unite him with his family and all of us one day. Be with his wife and kids with your grace during this difficult time.
Shortly after, Welch added:
I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today. Love you Chester. I'm pissed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night.
Anger is a completely normal reaction when a person close to you commits suicide, but I think one thing that is important to consider for those of you calling him selfish for leaving six kids behind: You think that thought didn't cross his mind? By all accounts, he was a very loving father. He clearly must've been in so much pain that IN HIS MIND he felt he had no other choice. But there is ALWAYS another choice. If he had just somebody there to talk to, it could've been different and he could still be here. If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, please reach out to someone who can help. Here is an excellent write-up by my friend Stabitha explaining what you should do if you or a friend need help.
If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, please reach out to someone who can help: in the United States, the national Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. International readers can find your country's number here.
