Linkin Park s Chester Bennington found dead

London July 21 (IANS) Chester Bennington lead singer for rock band Linkin Park has died and his death is being investigated as a possible suicide authorities said Thursday. He was 41.

Responding to a call police found Bennington dead Thursday morning at his home in Palos Verdes Estates Xinhua reported while quoting Brian Elias chief of operations for the Los Angeles County coroner s office.

The singer battled addictions to drugs and alcohol over the years and acknowledged having contemplated suicide as a youth after being sexually molested.

Bennington was close to Soundgarden front man Chris Cornell who died in May of an apparent suicide.

Thursday would have been Cornell s 53rd birthday.

Founded in 1996 Linkin Park made seven albums and had hits with songs including "In the End" and "Crawling." Their latest release "One More Light" debuted at No 1 on the Billboard album chart.

In addition to his work with Linkin Park Bennington did a stint as lead vocalist with Stone Temple Pilot.

The twice-married Bennington is survived by six children.

--IANS

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