Read the emotional farewell letter Chester Bennington wrote Chris Cornell

Read the emotional farewell letter Chester Bennington wrote Chris Cornell
Chester Bennington at an event in New York City on Feb. 21, 2017. He reportedly killed himself on Thursday, July 20. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Jack Phillips
7/21/2017
Updated:
7/21/2017

Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington died on the same day his friend, Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell, was born, it has been noted.

Bennington reportedly killed himself by hanging, which has shocked the music community. He was 41.

Chris Cornell at EBMRF Benefit on Jan. 14, 2017, in Malibu, Calif. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for EBMRF)
Chris Cornell at EBMRF Benefit on Jan. 14, 2017, in Malibu, Calif. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for EBMRF)

Los Angeles County coroner spokesman Brian Elias said Thursday, July 20, that investigators are looking into his death as an apparent suicide, The Associated Press reported.

When Cornell died in May, Bennington wrote an emotional letter to him.


The letter reads:

I dreamt about the Beatles last night. I woke up with Rocky Raccoon playing in my head and a concerned look my wife’s face. She told me my friend had just passed away. Thoughts of you flooded my mind and I wept. I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family. You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivalled. your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. I suppose that’s what we all are. You helped me understand that. I just watched a video oof you singing “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles and thought of my dream. I'd like to think you were saying goodbye in your own way. I can’t imagine a world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life. I send my love to your wife and children, friends and family.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.

With all my love.

Your friend,

€#£$+£R ]}£[][][G+O][


In a statement on Thursday, Cornell’s family said that Bennington was considered like a family member.

“The Cornell family is overwhelmed by the heartbreaking news about Chester Bennington which tragically comes so soon after their family’s own loss,” said a Cornell family representative, AP reported. “They open up their loving arms to Chester’s family and share in the sorrow with all those who loved him.

Chester Bennington on June 18, 2014, in Burbank, Calif. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Clear Channel)
Chester Bennington on June 18, 2014, in Burbank, Calif. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

Linkin Park co-founder and producer Mike Shinoda wrote on Twitter that he’s “shocked and saddened.” The band was slated to go on tour next week.

Bennington was married to Talinda Ann Bentley, his second wife. He’s survived by six children.

Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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