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Suicide of Chester parallels that of his close friend Chris Cornell

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Suicide of Chester parallels that of his close friend Chris Cornell

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NEW YORK - The death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington came as a surprise to the world when it was announced, but it also struck similarities to the death of fellow rocker and close friend Chris Cornell, who killed himself in May.

Authorities determined Bennington's death was a suicide, Los Angeles County coroner spokesman Brian Elias said. Bennington, who was 41, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles. He had a strong bond with Cornell and died on what would have been the Soundgarden singer's 53rd birthday.

Bennington was also the godfather to Cornell's 11-year-old son, Chris. And Bennington sang Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" at Cornell's memorial.

The Cornells called Bennington a member of their family in a statement.

"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 spokesperson. "They open up their loving arms to Chester's family and share in the sorrow with all those who loved him."

Cornell died by hanging after a concert in Detroit. Linkin Park was set to go on tour last week.

Bennington helped Linkin Park, whose sound mixed rap and rock, become one of the most commercially successful acts in the 2000s. The Grammy-winning group sold more than 10 million copies of its 2000 debut, "Hybrid Theory," which featured the megahit and anthem "In the End." It sold another 6 million with 2003's multiplatinum "Meteora." Both albums explored feelings of frustration and fury.

The success helped Linkin Park become Billboard's No. 1 act of the decade for rock songs and alternative songs.

Band co-founder and producer Mike Shinoda said on Twitter he was "shocked and saddened" by Bennington's death.

"Chester Bennington was an artist of extraordinary talent and charisma, and a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul," Warner Bros. Records CEO and Chairman Cameron Stang said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family, his bandmates and his many friends."

Bennington's voice could soar with piercing strength or descend to a whisper. Rolling Stone once called it a "shrapnel-laced howl that sounds like it comes from someone twice his size."

The band also sold millions with its remix album, "Reanimation," and its mashup record with Jay-Z, "Collision Course." It won Grammys for best hard-rock performance in 2001 for "Crawling" and best rap/sung collaboration for "Numb/Encore" in 2005. Linkin Park was next scheduled to perform last week in Massachusetts and New York.

Bennington struggled with drug and alcohol addictions during his life. He said he had been sexually abused as a child and was homeless for months before the band found fame.

Linkin Park released its most recent album, "One More Light," in May. It was an album that divided critics and fans alike for its embrace of moody pop. One song on the album, "Heavy," opens with the words: "I don't like my mind right now."

Although the band had always experimented with different sounds, some claimed Linkin Park had sold out, which Bennington denied. "One More Light" became the band's fifth No. 1 album debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

"If you like the music, fantastic," Bennington told NME magazine. "If you don't like it, that's your opinion, too. Fantastic. If you're saying we're doing what we're doing for a commercial or monetary reason, trying to make success out of some formula. then stab yourself in the face!"

When he got his big break in 1999, Bennington was an assistant at a digital-services firm in Phoenix. A music executive sent him a demo from the band Xero, which needed a lead singer. (He had been recommended by his attorney.) Bennington wrote and recorded new vocals over the band's playing and sent the results back. He soon got the gig, and the band then changed its named to Hybrid Theory, then Linkin Park.

Bennington told the Associated Press in 2010 that because of the sound the band is known for - fusing sounds from nu-metal, punk, rock, pop and hip-hop - it was virtually impossible to satisfy its many kinds of fans.

"We're making music for us, that we like," he said. "We're not making music for other people. We're not thinking, 'Let's make a pie graph of all our fans and find out how many people fit in whatever category and then make the perfect album for them.' "

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Chester Bennington's death mirrors that of close friend Chris Cornell | Reading Eagle - LIFE

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NEW YORK - The death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington came as a surprise to the world when it was announced, but it also struck similarities to the death of fellow rocker and close friend Chris Cornell, who killed himself in May.

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Fans are in much shock ever since the news of Chester Bennington's death came out. It is indeed impossible to believe to this but is actually true. Two months back, the band released its latest album 'One More Light' on 19 May 2017 and all of a sudden the band's front man's demise broke out. If this doesn't make you cry, then his life story will definitely will. Let's drench into desolation upon the quietus of a great artist.

Birth, Early Life, and Parents' Divorce

The singer was born on 29 March 1976 in Phoenix Arizona. Born as, Chester Charles Bennington, the star's mother was a nurse and father was a police detective. His father used to take double shifts and worked with child sex abuses cases. Ever since childhood, Bennington had a thing for music. The singer had stated bands like Stone Temple Pilots and Depeche Mode as inspirations during his childhood. His early dream included becoming a member of the aforementioned band which was later fulfilled.

Things did not go well between Bennington's father and mother. The couple got divorced when Chester was 11 years old. Upon the divorce, Bennington's father took his custody and it was then that the life of the singer was about to totally change, not on a brighter side though.

Struggle at High School, Drug Addiction, and Sexual Abuse

The divorce of his parents deeply hurt young Chester. The troubled singer started abusing cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, methamphetamine, opium, and LSD. Being addicted to drugs at a very young age made Bennington's life even worse. And that was the not only troubles he faced in his young age. There were things even more painful and heartbreaking.

The singer revealed in an interview that he was sexually abused by an older male during his childhood. The person was a family fellow who continued abusing young Bennington until the age of 13. He also stated that he was scared of asking for help as people would think that he was gay or take him as a liar. The singer was so much depressed out of the whole situation that he wanted to run away and kill people. In order to feel better, Bennington took escape into drawing pictures and writing songs and poetry. When years passed, Chester revealed the abuser's identity to his father but decided not file a case against him as he found out that the abuser was himself a victim.

Music Career, Rise to Fame, and Linkin Park

Although he had a bitter childhood, the singer was very much in love with music. A medium of escape from the cruelties of this world, Bennington started singing for a band named 'Sean Dowdell and His Friends?'. The singer later got associated with Grey Daze but did not become much successful.

The singer was unable to find himself a band as he left Grey Daze. Bennington was in much frustration and dejection and was about to quit his musical career. It was Jeff Blue who asked him to audition for Linkin Park and he was chosen. The band released their debut album 'Hybrid Theory', which met major success peaking at no. 2 on the US Billboard 200. The album has been certified diamond for sales. The band has won 2 Grammy awards.

Bennington co-founded 'Dead by Sunrise' in 2005. The debut album from the band was released in 2009 named as 'Out of Ashes'. Ever since childhood, the Linkin Park frontman dreamt of joining the band Stone Temple Pilots. His dream came true in 2013 when the band parted its way from the lead singer Scott Weiland. Bennington was very much excited upon becoming a part of the band but left it in 2015 due to his commitments with Linkin Park.

Personal Life, Health, and Injuries

Chester Bennington married twice and had 6 children. In his relationship with Elka Brand, he had a child named Jaime. Bennington also adopted Isaiah, Brand's other son. The singer got married to Samantha Marie Olit in the year 1996. They had a son together named Draven Sebastian. Their relationship took a bitter turn in the early years of Linkin Park. Eventually, the couple got divorced in 2005. Bennington, later on, got married to a former Playboy model, named Ann Bentley. The couple had 3 children together, twins born in 2011 named Lily and Lila, and Tyler Lee born earlier in 2006.

Things were not easy for the couple as they were harassed by a cyberstalker, Devon Townsend, for almost a year. Townsend was given a 2-year prison sentence after being found guilty of illegally accessing couple's emails, and sending threatening messages.

Bennington was a huge tattoo enthusiast and had a number of tattoos on his body. Despite living a miserable childhood and being abused, the singer was against violence. Upon the 2011 Tucson Shooting, he stated in an interview that,

The widely popular artist had undergone a number of injuries and accidents. During the making of Meteora, the singer was plagued with poor health and therefore struggled to attend the record sessions. Not only this, while filming the very famous song "Numb", the star was going through gastrointestinal problems and abdominal pain. During the 'A Thousand Suns World Tour', the singer had to cancel 3 shows and reschedule two in 2011. In 2015, Bennington injured his ankle in a basketball match.

Recently, the world was in much despair and sorrow as it was confirmed by Mike Shinoda that Bennington is no more. The singer died of suicide and his body was discovered by his care taker at 9:00 AM at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California on 20 th of July. It was the same day as his close friend Chris Cornell's birthday. The popular singer was a very good friend of Bennington. Cornell also died of suicide by hanging himself two months ago. Bennington was much affected by Cornell's death and it is said that he was depressed with the incident. Be it any rehearsal, or a live performance, the singer was unable to perform an entire song since Cornell's death. At his funeral, Bennington performed "Hallelujah".

World's Reaction

Ever since the news broke out, the fans could not hold on to their despondency and dejection. Artists and bands like Rihanna, Blink 182, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Hayley Williams, Chance the Rapper, Jimmy Kimmel, and many others showed their grief via social media.

Band members of Linkin Park have introduced a website that prevents people from committing suicide. To pay tribute to the departed singer, the band aims to help people on the suicide prevention website. The band also posted a message on Facebook that reads,

What a world we live in! Upon his death, the sales of Linkin Park's latest album have sky-rocketed. Funny when you are dead, people actually start listening! The singer may have died but he can never be forgotten. For many of us, his songs are a medium of escape from this wicked world, while for others they serve as a time machine which takes them into good old days of high school. Whatever it is, Bennington is still alive in hearts and souls, and wherever he is, we pray he rests in peace.

#RIPChesterBennington

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Do You Know About the Tragic Life Story of Chester Bennington?

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Fans are in much shock ever since the news of Chester Bennington's death came out. It is indeed impossible to believe to this but is actually true. Two months back, the band released its latest album 'One More Light' on 19 May 2017 and all of a sudden the band's front man's demise broke out.

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chester bennington explains the struggles in his life.

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Linkin Park Chester Bennington explains the struggles in his life. #RIP ♥

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"In this video from an interview in Feb '17 shows Chester Bennington expressing his cries for help. Hindsight is 20/20. At the time the interviewer and fans alike joked at his comments. Looking back, it's clearly not a joking matter. Mental illness is a very serious issue, that is not to be over looked.

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1)  The death of Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington came as a surprise to the world when it was announced, but it also struck similarities to the death of fellow rocker and close friend Chris Cornell, who killed himself in May.
2) Bennington was found hanging from a door separating his bedroom from his closet, which was similar to how his close friend Chris Cornell took his own life in May.
3)Chester Bennington, the ferocious lead singer for the platinum-selling hard rock band Linkin Park, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles on Thursday. He was 41.

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Based on the If it Bleeds it Leads theory, I believe that the media covers these stories to benefit their own agenda. They take these stories as far as they go to get more views and money. I believe that they are purely motivated by greed and traction.

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A decision made by someone that leads them to their own destruction.

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"Asking someone to describe what something sounds like is like telling a blind person to guess what I look like."                 - Chester Bennington

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"Asking someone to describe what something sounds like is like telling a blind person to guess what I look like."                 - Chester Bennington

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When it comes to horrible news, it is the things that are least expected that hit the hardest. This is most definitely the case with the shocking suicide of rock singer Chester Bennington on July 20th, 2017. His toxic life was a complete roller coaster of emotional hurdles for the star as he had to deal with drugs, alcohol, and abuse all from an extremely young age. Likewise, Chester's life demonstrates incredible parallels to that of the life of poor Ophelia in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Ophelia is met with multiple problematic situations which despite her best intentions, led to her untimely death. The fall from grace as shown in Ophelia in Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet shows eerily similar characteristics to the tragic life and death of music legend Chester Bennington which was only further dramatized by media outlets around the country.

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Chester's flaw was his own mind and his need for drugs in order to compensate for the crushing depression and fear he felt. These drugs led to the death of an artist with so much potential

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1) Linkin Park's Chester Bennington's wife: My life 'has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy' - Fox News
2) Chester Bennington, Linkin Park Singer, Dead at 41 - The Rolling Stone Magazine
3)Chester Bennington dead: Linkin Park frontman dies aged 41 - The Independent

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When it comes to horrible news, it is the things that are least expected that hit the hardest. This is most definitely the case with the shocking suicide of rock singer Chester Bennington on July 20th, 2017. His life was a complete rollercoaster of emotional hurdles for the star as he had to deal with drugs, alcohol, and abuse all from an extremely young age. Likewise, Chester's life demonstrates incredible parallels to that of the life of poor Ophelia in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Ophelia is met with multiple problematic situations which despite her best intentions, led to her untimely death. The fall from grace as shown in Ophelia in Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet shows eerily similar characteristics to the tragic life and death of music legend Chester Bennington which was only further dramatized by media outlets around the country.

The early life of Chester Bennington can be seen as the ultimate rise of what would lead him to his deadly demise. Chester was born on March 20th, 1976 in Phoenix. His mother was a nurse and his father was a sex-abuse detective. He began his march into tragedy after a severe divorce between his parents. This divorce led to a tumble into drugs and alcohol for young Chester who was an addict at the young age of 12. This snowballed as his career took off through the alternative rock band Linkin Park. During a tour for the band he seen to have been heavily drinking for the majority of the tour. After the tour he was quoted as saying, “I just don't want to be that person anymore”. Furthermore, it wasn’t until late 2011 when he told the world that he was sexually abused at the age of 7 by an older friend of his which continued for over 6 years. This abuse lead him to write poetry and songs to cope with the pain and fear. He even contemplated suicide multiple times over this six year period. Even through this pain, he kept a positive and upbeat mindset that was seen by the media and fans who enjoyed his music. Using this line of thinking, Bennington went on to becoming one of the most talented voices in rock as the lead singer of Linkin Park. He lived his life trying to put good into the world a let each listener of his music lose themselves allowing them to forget about the hard times they might be going through. This mentality was only able to take him so far though, leading to his death on July 20th, 2017. News of his dear friend Chris Cornell committing suicide just one month earlier hung like a shadow over Chester every day. He delved back into drug and alcohol abuse leading to his passing on July 20th from an overdose. His wife was able to wrap up the world's feelings through her statements, “we had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy...How do I pick up my shattered soul?” (Fox News, July 20th). These exact words were the glaring headline of a Fox News article just days after the tragedy, taking little time to spread the news as quickly as they could. Chesters life was a rollercoaster of difficult times coupled with substance abuse ultimately leading to his untimely suicide.

Much like Chester’s difficult life, Ophelia from the Shakespearean play Hamlet has a rough experience trying to help and save Hamlet from madness leading to her own fall from grace. Ophelia was a victim of her own consciousness and her need to try and save Hamlet from madness. Through her consciousness she never saw herself as free much like Chester was never truly free of his addictions. Ophelia was a slave to her loyalty to others as represented in Act 1 Scene 3 Page 5 of Hamlet, “I shall obey my lord”, when her father forbid her from seeing Hamlet. Furthermore, she was never truly able to show her feelings to either her father or Hamlet, this is something Hamlet touches on during one of his rants, "God has given you one face and you make yourselves another." (Act 3, Scene 1, Page 6). In comparison, Chester needed to show one face to the media and fans, a confident suave image, a man who was in control of the situation and the life he led. Yet, this representation is exactly what led to both of these characters horrible suicides. Even more telling, is the fact that Chester was said to have committed suicide due to the suicide of his close friend Chris Cornell which had crushed him. This would have just exemplified the fact that he was a victim to the things he couldn’t control much like Ophelia's inability to control her own life. Chester was unable to control his decision to take drugs while Ophelia descends into madness over her inability to control her feelings. The lack of control seen in both character could only be further explored in their inability to control the media’s reaction to their deaths. For example, different media outlets paid tribute to Chester’s death through varying headlines like Extra’s headline, “Disturbing Details About Chester Bennington’s Suicide”. This clickbaity title can be compared with New York Times much more toned down and respectful, “The Playlist: Linkin Park Pays Tribute to Chester Bennington”. Through these two headlines it is clear that Extra’s goal was to try and create doubt and conspiracy around his death in order to get more traction while New York Times took a much more subtle approach to covering his passing. As seen through textual evidence, inability to control feelings, other people's actions, and ability to show oneself led to the suicide of both Ophelia from Hamlet and Chester Bennington which, was only then dramatized by certain media outlets.

Tragedy often plays well in the media as a way to get traction towards a topic which was already a staple in the plays written by Shakespeare. In these plays, Shakespeare often includes multiple tragic and literary elements throughout his plays in order to captivate the audience. This builds a more dynamic role between characters and the viewers/readers. One incredible example of this could be seen in Ophelia’s soliloquy in Act 4 Scene 5 Pages 2 through 4, where she sings in madness about how she was deceived by Hamlet and cannot get over her love for him, “My brain is broken, tangles as the vines I run through, I still want Hamlet by my side holding me like he once did”. This part of the soliloquy perfectly highlights Ophelia’s fatal flaw of personal loyalty and inability to be free from others. Through this we can see that no matter what she would be loyal to Hamlet and she would never be able to be free of his grasp. This mirrors Chester’s flaw of inability to be free of drugs, alcohol addiction, and thoughts haunting him around whether he should even continue to live. Through Shakespearean elements found in Hamlet, it is clear what Ophelia’s fatal flaw is and the parallels it shares to Chester’s flaw.

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On Thursday morning, Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington was found dead at his home in Los Angeles.

TMZ reports Bennington was found hanging from a door separating his bedroom from his closet, which was similar to how his close friend Chris Cornell took his own life in May. Cornell was discovered hanging from a door dividing the bedroom from the bathroom in a hotel room.

Bennington was scheduled to attend a photo shoot with his Linkin Park bandmates a few hours after he was found by a housekeeper with a belt around his neck. The band was also planning to go on tour next week.

Law enforcement sources reveal that there was a partially empty bottle of alcohol found at the site where Bennington died, but there were no drugs discovered.

A close pal told RadarOnline, "Yes, he did struggle with addiction issues, but everyone thought that he had it licked. He seemed to be at a good place in his life. It is just so tragic and there are no words."

In his last interview, Bennington opened up about his struggles with his inner demons, telling The Mirror, "For me personally, when we first started working on this record I was coming out of the darkest time of my life and it was all sh*t that I was doing to myself. It was all stuff that I had control over... even though I felt differently at the time."

He added, "I came to a point in my life where I was like, 'I can either just give up and f**king die or I can f**king fight for what I want.' And I chose to fight for what I wanted. I wanted to have good relationships. I wanted to love the people in my life. I wanted to enjoy my job."

After his death, Linkin Park bandmate Mike Shinoda tweeted, "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one."

See more celebrity reactions to Bennington's shocking death below.

RIP to Chester Bennington and my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the Linkin Park family. Truly unique, humble frontman.
- Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 21, 2017

The news about Chester Bennington is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and @linkinpark. Such a tragic loss
- Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) July 20, 2017

RIP The legend Chester. You were were and will continue to be a huge inspiration to us.
- THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) July 20, 2017

artists are ppl compelled to bring beauty into a world that can be so dark. makes sense then that artists are always conscious of darkness..
- hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017

... & maybe at times made more vulnerable by it? i don't know. life can be relentless. heart hurts for Chester's family/band/friends/fans.
- hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) July 20, 2017

Oh dear God. Massive R.I.P to Chester Bennington of @linkinpark this BREAKS OUR HEART. Suicide is the devil on earth walking amongst us 😞
- OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) July 20, 2017

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

no words. so heartbroken. RIP Chester Bennington.
- Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) July 20, 2017

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Disturbing Details About Chester Bennington's Suicide

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On Thursday morning, Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington was found dead at his home in Los Angeles. TMZ reports Bennington was found hanging from a door separating his bedroom from his closet, which was similar to how his close friend Chris Cornell took his own life in May.

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Chester Bennington is a prime example of peripeteia due to his struggle to vent his sadness through his music in a positive way only to succumb to that pain and commit suicide

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Toxic: Poisonous
Rancour: Feelings of bitterness of hatred
Heinous: Wicked or hateful
Malice: Intent to cause pain or anger
Conflagration: Large burning fire