It's been a little over a week since the tragic and sudden death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington. Bennington committed suicide by hanging in his home, just outside of Los Angeles. He was discovered by a housekeeper and shortly after, a bandmate arrived to pick him up for a scheduled photo shoot, only to see what had happened.
I can't imagine what his family is going through. His wife, Talinda Bennington, just released a statement, eight days after Chester's death:
"One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero-their Daddy," she wrote. "We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul? The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left.
"I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well."
"My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel's voice. And now he is pain-free, singing his songs in all of our hearts.
"May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would've wanted us to do so.
"Rest in peace, my love."
I think one thing that is important to consider for those of you calling him selfish for leaving six kids behind: You think that thought didn't cross his mind? By all accounts, he was a very loving father. He clearly must've been in so much pain that IN HIS MIND he felt he had no other choice. But there is ALWAYS another choice. If he had just somebody there to talk to, it could've been different and he could still be here. If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, please reach out to someone who can help. Here is an excellent write-up by my friend Stabitha explaining what you should do if you or a friend need help.
If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, please reach out to someone who can help: in the United States, the national Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. International readers can find your country's number here.
