It's been five months since Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington died via suicide. 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. He was laid to rest at the end of July, surrounded by friends and family.
Five months later, TMZ reports the toxicology reports have been released, and the autopsy reveals he had alcohol and ecstasy in his system:
According to the autopsy and toxicology results, obtained by TMZ, the Linkin Park singer had a small amount of alcohol and MDMA (ecstasy). Authorities found a prescription bottle of Zolpidem — generic Ambien — on his dresser. There was also a pint glass of Corona, which was less than half full — and an empty bottle of Stella Artois.
Update: Looks like TMZ erroneously reported that Bennington had ecstasy in his system. Mike Shinoda posted on Twitter noting that two subsequent tests showed there was no actual ecstasy in his system.
Just clearing this up: TMZ erroneously printed CB had MDMA in his system when he passed. That was incorrect, they misread the report. They have since corrected their piece, see below. I hope other publications have the decency to do the same. pic.twitter.com/MwglKqjsOc
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) December 6, 2017
While there was no suicide note at the scene, there was a handwritten biography found. A boarding pass from Bennington's flight the previous day was still in his pocket at the time of his death. The full, official report, can be seen here.
Deputy medical examiner at the Los Angeles Coroner's Office, Nani Cholakians, wrote that Chester was found "hanging with a ligature around his neck. The ligature was a black leather belt with a metal buckle engraved with 'Hugo Boss.' The belt was looped around [Chester's] neck, then through the buckle, before extending up towards the door frame. The belt passed between the top edge of a door and the door frame. The buckle was at the posterior of [Chester's] neck."
Linkin Park celebrated Chester's life with a moving tribute show in October, which can be streamed here. The band is releasing a live album later this month. More info 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. In the United States, the national Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. International readers can find your country's number here.
