Just two days after the news hit that Bennington had committed suicide, Linkin Park launched chester.linkinpark.com, a tribute site to their bandmate that includes information for suicide prevention hotlines along with a section for fans to post messages.
As of Monday afternoon, thousands of fans had flocked to the site to recall moments when they met the late singer, how the musician’s work helped them through tough moments, and how they’re going to commemorate his life.
Hours after it was launched on Saturday, the site did suffer a series of connectivity issues, but it was later restored as glitches were worked out.
Bennington was discovered in his Palos Verdes Estates home in Los Angeles County after allegedly hanging himself. According to Variety, investigators did not find a note within the room. An autopsy is pending.
In the wake of Bennington’s death, the band, set to go on tour within a few days, ended up cancelling their "One More Light" North American shows. The band has also released their first official statement on the matter.
In sum, the group is still trying to "come to grips with what has happened."
Minutes after the story broke, reports of Bennington’s death were confirmed by Linkin Park singer Mike Shinoda.
— Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017
Bennington was said to be deeply affected by the suicide of his friend and Soundgarden and Audioslave singer Chris Cornell, and Bennington’s suicide took place on what would have been Cornell’s 53rd birthday.
Having struggled with drugs and alcohol for years, the 41-year-old singer previously noted he had considered committing suicide due to the abuse he suffered as a child by an older male.
Bursting into fame with hits that included "Faint," "Breaking the Habit," "Numb" and "In the End," Bennington left behind six children from two marriages.
