Fans Hope Chester Bennington's Death Is A Hoax

Celebrity death hoaxers are morbidly common online, but the suspected suicide of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington Thursday. While dozens of publications reported his apparent hanging, the story of his untimely death was true.

The term “Chester Bennington Hoax” was one of the top-trending Twitter topics Thursday. Most people tweeted they hoped Bennington’s death was a hoax — something that could be disproven by Snopes, a website that famously dismantles online rumors.

READ: Chester Bennington Cause Of Death: Linkin Park Singer Dead At 41

The Linkin Park singer was 41 years old. He reportedly hanged himself in his bedroom at his Los Angeles home, TMZ reported. His body was found by his housekeeper before 9 a.m.

Bennington’s death occurred on the same day that would have been the 53 birthday of Soungarden singer Chris Cornell. He hanged himself May 18. Bennington was “profoundly affected” by his close friend, TMZ wrote.

He sang “Hallelujah” at Cornell’s funeral at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and wrote a letter about the impact the Soundgarden star had on his life. “Thank you for allowing me be a part of your life,” he wrote.

Linkin Park was slated to go on tour in a week. One of his bandmates arrived at Bennington’s house shortly after police and was “absolutely shocked.” He was supposed to take Bennington to a photo shoot, TMZ wrote.

The Los Angeles coroner’s office is conducting an investigation into Bennington’s death.

Linkin Park bandmate, Mike Shinoda, confirmed reports of Bennington’s death to Twitter. “Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true,” he said. “An official statement will come out as soon as we have one.”

READ: Chester Bennington Wife: Who Is Talinda Ann Bentley?

Linkin Park was best known for hits like “In The End” and “Crawling.” Linkin Park won two Grammy Awards, one for for Best Hard Rock Performance and another for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Jay-Z. They have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.

When he wasn’t singing, Bennington was a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. “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 to the Los Angeles Times. “The world lost a kind heart today.”

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