Slash, Frank Turner and Cypress Hill’s B-Real took Twitter to express their condolences after discovering Deftones Chi Cheng had died age 42 on April 13th, 2013.
Slash Tweeted:
Just heard that Chi from the Deftones passed away. That’s really sad news. I didn’t really know him. But he was an awesome bass player. RIP
— Slash (@Slash) April 14, 2013
Frank Turner Tweeted:
Wow. Just heard that Chi Cheng of the Deftones has died. Very sad. Love that band.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) April 14, 2013
Tom Morello Tweeted:
R.I.P Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng. Very sweet and talented guy. Head injury from car accident. Everyone please wear seatbelt and live.
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) April 14, 2013
Ryan from Yellowcard Tweeted:
Sad to hear about Chi of Deftones. Life is short and unexpected. Enjoy every minute.
— Ryan from Yellowcard (@williamryankey) April 14, 2013
Cypress Hill’s B-Real Tweeted:
R.i.p Chi Cheng..Condolences to his family and the deftones family.. He was a good man.
— B-Real Cypress Hill (@B_Real420) April 14, 2013
Papa Roach Tweeted:
RIP CHI… WE LOVE YOU MAN! @deftones
— ☠ Papa Roach ☠ (@paparoach) April 14, 2013
Testament Tweeted:
R.I.P. Chi Cheng of the Deftones (July 15, 1970 – April 13, 2013). This is photo from a benefit for Chi that… fb.me/1mitOoWQ3
— Testament (@testamentband) April 14, 2013
Hatebreed Tweeted:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, our hearts go out to Chi’s family,friends & fans #RIPCHI #RIPCHICHENG
— Hatebreed (@hatebreed) April 14, 2013
This is Hell Tweeted:
Awful news. #RIPCHI RT @theprpDeftones Bassist Chi Cheng Passes Away: theprp.com/?p=64129@deftones
— This Is Hell (@THISISHELL) April 14, 2013
Deftones singer Chino Moreno also confirmed the bassist’s death on his Facebook page with the message: ‘Rest in peace Chi Cheng.’
Chi Cheng has been a member of the Deftones since 1988, and he was able to watch the band rise to multi-platinum status. Saturday Night Wrist was his final album with the band in 2006. Cheng was in a semi-comatose state for more than four years after being seriously injured in a car accident in November of 2008.
Cheng was traveling with Mae, his sister, when his car collided with another vehicle traveling 60 mph and rolled three times. Chi was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car. Cheng never recovered full consciousness, and had been in and out of hospitals for different infections. Cheng died at 3 a.m. in the hospital. According to a statement released by Cheng’s family, Cheng was taken to an emergency room early Saturday morning when they found out “his heart just suddenly stopped”
UPDATE: Chi Cheng candlelight vigil will be held at Sacramento’s Cesar Chavez Park Sunday April 14 at 6:30 P.M.