The lead singer of Linkin Park has died.
Chester Bennington, 41, was found dead at a home in Los Angeles County, California, the Los Angles County coroner told the Associated Press. TMZ was first to report the news.
The singer's death is being investigated as an apparent suicide, officials said.
Band member, Mike Shinoda, confirmed the news on Twitter shortly after media reports came out. "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true," his tweet said.
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
A single photo of Bennington surrounded by a crowd was tweeted from the band's account Thursday afternoon. On their Facebook page, the band's profile picture and cover photo were changed to photos of Bennington.
— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017
Bennington was born in Phoenix in 1976, and attended Centennial High School, Greenway High School and Ironwood High School, but did not graduate from either, school district officials said.
He also lived in Gilbert before moving to Los Angeles.
Bennington and the band were supporters of the Banner Health Foundation, including Cardon Children's Medical Center in Phoenix.
Chester Bennington signs a toy guitar. Courtesy: Banner Health Foundation
The foundation released the following statement:
The Banner Health Foundation extends its deepest sympathies to the Bennington family and loved ones of Chester Bennington. Along with his wife Talinda and their children, Chester was a devoted supporter of Banner Children's at Cardon Children's Medical Center for many years. Linkin Park performed at several fundraising galas in support of Banner Children's pediatrics programs, including our neonatal intensive care units and music therapy programs for young patients. The Bennington family has been exceedingly generous with their time and resources, signing autographs, visiting children in the hospital, donating artwork and CDs, and making our youngest patients feel special. We are thankful to the Bennington family for their support and are deeply sorry to learn of Chester's passing. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
The tour is scheduled to stop at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix on August 30.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC15.
