Chester Bennington Dies At 41: Stunned Rockers and Celebrities Share Heartbreaking Reactions

The news shook the world

Everyone was shocked and stunned when the news that Chester Bennington of Linkin Park was found dead at the age of 41. The frontman of Linkin Park reportedly took his own life by hanging. The eerie part about the whole thing, is that he and Chris Cornell, who took his own life back in May, were best friends, and Chester’s death was reported on what would’ve been Chris’ 53rd birthday.

Many rockers and celebrities chimed in to offer tributes and thoughts on Chester. Messages on Twitter and Facebook poured in morning the vocalist who helped so many of today’s youth and young adults get through their darkest hours. Unfortunately, Chester couldn’t overcome his own darkest hour.

Fellow bandmate Mike Shinoda

Shinoda confirmed the news later in the afternoon. Many suspected it to be a hoax prior to his tweet.

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

Linkin Park

Bennington’s band posted this photo later in the day after reeling in from the news.

pic.twitter.com/yoN80Mobdk

— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 20, 2017

The kind words and notes continued to pour in throughout the day from all sorts of musicians and celebrities from all backgrounds.

Vicky Cornell (Chris Cornell’s wife)

Just when I thought my heart couldn’t break any more…..I love you T

— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) July 20, 2017

Nikki Sixx

I am in tears.Chester just told me how happy he was…..He was such a sweet and talented man……Ifeel so sad for his family,band mates and fans

— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) July 20, 2017

Slash

An avalanche of emotions & feelings; sadness; anger; confusion; loss; heartbreak. I could go on. But loss & heartbreak reign here. I’m going to miss you Chester. Everybody is going to miss you. RIP

A post shared by Slash (@slash) on Jul 20, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

Foghat

Incredibly sad. Our thoughts are with his family and friends…. ? https://t.co/usy7HCimyD

— FOGHAT (@FOGHAT) July 20, 2017

Lars Ulrich

Gracious, kind & humble. A rare combination in Rock & Roll. Deeply saddened… pic.twitter.com/cVtNEzrjHD

— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) July 20, 2017

Paul Stanley

RIP CHESTER BENNINGTON. We can never know someone’s pain. Prayers to his family in this tragedy. If you need help REACH OUT. @RollingStone pic.twitter.com/DmtWrHNgeY

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) July 20, 2017

Duff McKagen

RIP Chester B.

— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) July 20, 2017

Billy Idol

Shocked about the news of Chester Bennington’s death. I have played shows with him recently..I will miss him & his great talent very much.

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) July 20, 2017

Jimmy Kimmel

Chester was one of the kindest men I’ve had on my show. My heart breaks for his family and friends. He will be missed terribly.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 20, 2017

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

So sorry to hear the news about Chester Bennington. Sending so much luv, strength & light to his family, kids & @linkinpark ohana.

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 20, 2017

Steve Aoki

My heart is shattered. I can’t fucking believe this is real. Crying writing this now. Destroyed. pic.twitter.com/MeEBJD9gi3

— Kolony July 21 (@steveaoki) July 20, 2017

Corey Taylor

Jesus No…

— MARY POPPINS, Y’ALL! (@CoreyTaylorRock) July 20, 2017

Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater

Just shocking…this is the man that just sang Hallelujah at Chris Cornell’s funeral 2 months ago…Life is precious & fragile #RIPChester pic.twitter.com/U055as4CQL

— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) July 20, 2017

Nickelback

“When life leaves us blind, love keeps us kind.” – Chester Bennington. Rest easy sir. pic.twitter.com/RLhmf0UR0B

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) July 20, 2017

Matt Skiba of Blink-182 and Alkaline Trio

Rest easy, beautiful boy. Chester B., RIP ?

A post shared by Skiba, Matthew T. (@matttskiba) on Jul 20, 2017 at 12:01pm PDT

Dave Navarro

?????????

A post shared by Dave Navarro (@davenavarro) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:58pm PDT

Disturbed

Chance The Rapper

RIP Chester. Tragic ending. Condolences his family and friends and Linkin Park ??

— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) July 20, 2017

Ryan Adams

‪R.I.P Chester Bennington‬ A devastating loss. ‪My thoughts are with his family & friends today‬ ‪He & @linkinpark are the kindest folks you could ever hoped to meet‬ and showed me such great kindness when I first was coming up in music. I’ll never forget feeling nervous and out of sorts at one of the first music awards ceremonies I attended and they met me and took me aside and made me feel calm, quietly encouraging me. He was an incredible gentleman to me that day and u never forgot it, all the while I was totally star struck. May this gentle but giant soul find peace.

A post shared by Ryan Adams (@misterryanadams) on Jul 20, 2017 at 1:05pm PDT

Dana White

RIP Chester pic.twitter.com/hqmUof3APW

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 20, 2017

Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy

Mental health is no joke. We have to destigmatize the conversation around it.

— yung menace (@petewentz) July 20, 2017

Joel Madden of Good Charlotte

There are no words…

— Joel Madden (@JoelMadden) July 20, 2017

Travis Barker of Blink-182

? Absolutely heartbroken.I’ll cherish every time we hung out or rocked a stage together.Condolences & prayers to all. So sad ?? #RIPCHESTER pic.twitter.com/3MAFaeEA95

— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) July 20, 2017

Comedian Nick Swardson

Love goes out to @mikeshinoda and the Linkin Park family. What an awful nightmare. RIP in Chester. Thank you for your soul.

— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) July 20, 2017

Comedian Brent Morin

RIP @ChesterBe. One of the best rock singers ever. Anyone with half a voice knows that to be true. Some of the most complicated vocals ever

— Brent Morin (@BrentMorin) July 20, 2017

Jimmy Eat World

We’re extremely saddened by the loss of Chester Bennington. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Such is a huge loss for so many.

— Jimmy Eat World (@jimmyeatworld) July 20, 2017

As you can see Chester was universally loved by everyone in the rock world and community. He may be gone, but his voice, message and impact will live forever. Rest In Peace, Chester Bennington. We will forever miss you.