Cause of death
On July 20, 2017, Chester Bennington committed suicide by hanging. He was found by a domestic worker in his home in Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles. He was 41 years old. At the time of his death, the Linkin Park singer had alcohol and, according to the first of three investigations, MDMA in the form of ecstasy in his blood. The US MagazineTMZ” referred to the autopsy report with this information. The two other tests, however, were negative, so that the influence of the drug on Bennington’s death can be ruled out. A bottle of the prescription sleeping pill zolpidem was found on a dresser in the bedroom, as well as a half-empty bottle and an empty beer bottle.
Bennington’s funeral was held on July 29 at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. In addition to his family members and close friends, many musicians who toured with Linkin Park were also present. Bennington was cremated.
The relationship with Chris Cornell
July 20, 2017 would have been Chris Cornell’s 53rd birthday. The Soundgarden and Audioslave singer hanged himself on May 18, 2017 after a concert in Detroit. Bennington and Cornell had a close friendship, so close in fact that Bennington sang Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” at Cornell’s funeral.
Mike Shinoda, Bennington’s fellow musician in Linkin Park, reported before his bandmate’s death that he had great difficulty making a television appearance the day after Cornell’s suicide. The performance of “Heavy” on the show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was planned. Instead, they decided on the title song from the new album at the time, “One More Light”. The song is about the loss of a friend.
With Radio.com Shinoda chatted about the events. “When we did the sound check”said the musician, “Chester barely made it through the song.” He had to swallow the whole time. “Even on live television with the right performance. He couldn’t finish the song.”
Shadows from childhood
Bennington opened up about having suffered from depression for many years. He also discussed his addiction problems. As a child he was abused by a friend of his parents and later bullied at school. In an interview with Music Choice, Chester Bennington once talked about his depression. In it, the Linkin Park singer explained his illness like this:
“All my life I have always felt a bit uncomfortable. Again and again I find myself in these behavior or thought patterns – especially when I get stuck up here (in my head). I explain it as a bad area that I shouldn’t walk around in alone.”
Anyone who has suicidal thoughts should contact people they trust. Simply speaking often helps clear up thoughts, at least temporarily. Anyone who is open to further offers of help or is concerned about loved ones can contact the telephone counseling service – even anonymously: they offer quick help and refer doctors, advice centers or clinics on 0800/111 01 11.