Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington Dead At Age 41

click to expand

LOS ANGELES (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who sold millions of albums with a unique mix of hard rock, hip-hop and rap, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles on Thursday. He was 41.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs during CBS RADIO's two-night "SPF" concert at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on May 19, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for CBS Radio Inc. )

His death is being investigated as a suicide, according to the Los Angeles County coroner. Bennington died on what would have been his friend Chris Cornell's 53rd birthday. The Soundgarden singer hanged himself in May.

The group sold 10 million copies of their 2000 debut, "Hybrid Theory,'' and then another 4 million with 2003's multiplatinum "Meteora.'' Both albums explored feelings of frustration and fury.

"As the cutting-edge lead vocalist of Linkin Park, Chester's powerful range, paired with his impressive songwriting skills, made him a bona fide hard rock hero. We have lost a truly dynamic member of the music community and our sincerest condolences go out to Chester's family, friends, collaborators, and all who have been impacted by his work," said Neil Portnow President/CEO Recording Academy

Bennington, who sported piercings and tattoos, struggled with drug and alcohol addictions at various times during his life. He was married and is survived by six children.