Chester Bennington dead: Read the Linkin Park singer's emotional farewell letter to Chris Cornell

Chester Bennington has died after hanging himself, it has been reported. At age 41, the Linkin Park lead singer's passing has shocked the music community, in which he was known as one of the leading pioneers of the nu-metal genre.

Bennington wrote an emotional letter to his friend and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell after he died in May. In it, he touches on his grief, how he inspired him, and how he felt Cornell was "saying goodbye in your own way".

Read the full letter here:

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,

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* For confidential support on mental health call Samaritans free from any phone, at any time, on 116 123 (UK & RoI) or email jo@samaritans.org.