Linkin Park singer, Phoenix native Chester Bennington takes own life
Jul 20, 2017, 11:30 AM | Updated: 11:59 am
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park and a Phoenix native, took his own life Thursday morning.
TMZ reported that the 41-year-old singer’s body was found inside a home in Palos Verdes Estates near Los Angeles.
The celebrity news website said Bennington hanged himself.
Bennington was a close friend of rocker Chris Cornell, who took his own life earlier this year.
Bennington was survived by his wife, Talinda Ann Bentley, and his six children from two marriages.
He and Bentley lived in Gilbert.
TMZ said Bennington had struggled with drugs and alcohol from a young age. He also had talked about committing suicide in the past because of alleged abuse he suffered as a child.
Linkin Park was on tour when Bennington died. The band was scheduled to play at Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix on Aug 30.
There was no immediate word from the band on if the shows would continue.
Bennington was born and raised in the Phoenix area. He attended Centennial High School in Peoria before making it big in the music world.
Linkin Park has sold more than 70 million records. Its debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” was one of the best-selling albums ever in the United States.
In addition to his music, Bennington was also a co-owner of Club Tattoo, which has six locations.
