The last photo of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, taken by his wife just 1 day before he took his own life.
On July 20, 2017, Chester Bennington, 41, was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
His housekeeper discovered him shortly before 9 a.m. in the bedroom, hanging from the door with a black Hugo Boss belt. The death was ruled a suicide by hanging.
That day coincided with the birthday of his close friend Chris Cornell (lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave), who had died by suicide two months earlier, on May 18, 2017.
Chester and Chris were very close, and Chester had sung at Cornell’s funeral. He left no suicide note. The toxicology report showed only a small amount of alcohol in his system and an empty beer bottle in the room, but no other drugs.
Chester had struggled his entire life with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and childhood trauma (including sexual abuse he suffered as a child). Although he seemed to be in a good place (they had just released the album One More Light and he had been spending time with his family), his widow Talinda later mentioned that there had been warning signs in the days leading up to his death, even though he seemed happy the night before.
His death shocked the music world. Linkin Park released an official statement, and the band held a tribute concert months later. Chester left behind six children from his two marriages.
It is a very sad story that once again brought the spotlight to mental health in rock music and among musicians.