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Suicide suspected in death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington

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Chester Bennington, lead vocalist of Linkin Park, died of an apparent suicide Thursday morning, the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed. He was 41.

The coroner’s office was notified about Bennington’s death about 9 a.m., said Brian Elias, department chief for the L.A. County medical examiner-coroner. He said the coroner’s office is conducting a death investigation.

Firefighters received a call about 9 a.m. regarding a cardiac arrest in the 2800 block of Via Victoria in Palos Verdes Estates, said Joey Napoli, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

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The report indicated the male victim had hanged himself, he said.

Firefighters arrived and cleared the scene by 9:29 a.m., Napoli said.

The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department declined to comment about the death.

Obituary: Chester Bennington, singer from influential Southern California rock band LInkin Park, dies at 41 »

Linkin Park bandmate, Mike Shinoda, reacted on Twitter to reports of Bennington’s death.

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“Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true,” he said. “An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”

Shinoda, who performed vocals, keyboards and guitar, co-founded the rap-rock group. Its members include Bennington; DJ and programmer Joe Hahn; drummer/percussionist Rob Bourdon; guitarist Brad Delson and bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell.

Linkin Park has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy Awards for Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Jay-Z.

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Bennington, a native of Phoenix, had a career in music that spanned more than two decades. In addition to his work with Linkin Park, he also performed with Stone Temple Pilots.

When he wasn’t performing onstage, Bennington used his celebrity to promote causes he was passionate about, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ “Ink, Not Mink” campaign.

“PETA will always remember Chester Bennington as a musical powerhouse and a powerful force for animal rights,” PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a statement. “The world lost a kind heart today.”

He was close friends with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who took his own life in May. Bennington posted an emotional letter, discussing how much Cornell influenced him. “Thank you for allowing me be a part of your life,” he wrote.

Bennington performed “Hallelujah” at Chris Cornell’s memorial service in May at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

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Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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UPDATES:

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12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about singer Chester Bennington and a comment from his bandmate.

This article was originally published at 12:10 p.m.

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