Getty Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs on stage at the iHeartRadio Album Release Party presented by State Farm at the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles on May 22, 2017.
Chester Bennington’s suicide has come as a shock to fans. He was only 41 when he was found dead this morning. Fans have been searching for a reason behind his suicide. Autopsy and toxicology reports aren’t available yet, and it isn’t known if he left any kind of note. He had health issues off and on during his life, but at this time he wasn’t known to have anything serious or new. Because he died on what would have been the birthday of his close friend, Chris Cornell, many wonder if the depression he had been battling became too much for him.
In the early 2000s, Bennington had quite a few health issues that he was dealing with, which made it difficult to record Meteora. He also suffered extreme abdominal pain and stomach issues while filming the music video for their hit song Numb. In fact, his health turned so bad that he had to return to the U.S. for surgery and film the rest of the video in the states.
According to MTV.com in 2003, he had ended up in the hospital for a mysterious stomach and back ailment. He ended up convulsing and had to be taken to the hospital. That seemed to resolve itself, but then he had a hiatal hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. This led to his feeling queasy all the time and even vomiting when he was trying to sing. The type of hernia that he had was fairly common and surgery was able to fix the problem.
In 2007, he tried to jump off a platform during a concern and broke his wrist. Then in 2011, he fell again and Linkin Park had to cancel three shows and reschedule two others while he recovered. He had surgery on his shoulder in 2011. Then in 2015, he injured his leg and had to have immediate surgery. The remaining dates in the Hunting Party tour had to be canceled as a result. It was later shared that he had broken his ankle while playing basketball.
In addition to the physical issues he suffered, Bennington also battled drug and alcohol addiction. But he had put all that behind him, he said in 2011. “I don’t drink. I choose to be sober now.”
He also suffered from depression, and the second-to-last single on the band’s newest album, Heavy, may have hinted at the battle he faced. “I don’t like my mind right now. Stacking up problems that are so unnecessary. Wish that I could slow things down.” The lyrics also talked about issues he was facing: “If I just let go, I’d be set free.” He had previously said that he considered suicide when he was younger, after he was abused by an older male.
If you or someone you love is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours every day:1-800-273-8255. An online chat is also available, or you can text HOME to the National Suicide Hotline at 741741 (only available in the U.S.)
