Linkin Park's frontman reportedly took his own life, leaving the social media world in utter shock and disbelief at the news of his passing.
Chester Bennington, 41, was found hanged at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estate in Los Angeles just before 9am on Thursday
Just a few days ago, Bennington had been seen at a recording studio with his bandmates.
The Numb' hitmaker — who had three children with wife Talinda Bentley and another three from previous relationships — had struggled with drugs and alcohol abuse in the past and previously admitted he had considered suicide after being abused as a child by an older male.
He confessed to being a ''full blown, raging alcoholic" but had tried to put that behind him.
Speaking in 2011, he said: ''I don't drink. I choose to be sober now. I have drunk over the last six years, but I just don't want to be that person anymore."
He also spoke frankly about being abused.
He said: ''If I think back to when I was really young, to when I was being molested, to when all these horrible things were going on around me, I shudder."
Fans and celebrities across the world took to social media to pay tribute to the fallen music icon.
One Facebook fan said: "It's hard to explain how you could feel connected to a person that you don't even know, however his music and passion in life was always something I relate to since i was a child. Rest in peace my childhood legend. (sic).
Our thoughts are with Chester Bennington's family & all of Linkin Park at this remarkably difficult time. A voice of a generation. X
— You Me At Six (@youmeatsix) July 20, 2017
Linkin Park One More Light , Hybrid theory , Meteora and minutes to midnight are all in the US Top 10 Alternative album charts 🙏 #RIPchester pic.twitter.com/SL8EWGdS6a
— 2017 AFRICA (@2017AFRICA) July 21, 2017
Truly breaks my heart, as Linkin Park were one of the bands I turned to when I was in that same state of mind #RIPChesterBenninton
— Jordz 🌙 (@nirvanughmgc) July 21, 2017
When I still can't accept the fact that No Chester, means No more Linkin Park after this.😔 pic.twitter.com/2tJNEG7NHv
— MrBull (@afiqsakri) July 21, 2017
May Chester rest in piece. Linkin Park is one of my favorite bands and was a part of my childhood. Thank you for the memories #RIPChester
— Sharon Parraga (@VirgoSapphire21) July 21, 2017
"Talking To Myself" the last song by Linkin Park ❤( #RIPChesterBennigton) pic.twitter.com/Yh4UHzn7Jv
— ☼愛と平和🌒 (@MavyFlorian) July 21, 2017
I am totally shucked. Linkin Park got me through a lot of hard times when I was younger.😥 #RIPChesterBennington pic.twitter.com/i5hAMnON45
— Dark WaY (@dark15392531) July 21, 2017
How can linkin park be linkin park without #ChesterBennington?
There is no doubt that he was 1 of the bests... #RIPChesterBennigton pic.twitter.com/HIxzKOcBHg
— Anita (@anita_jz) July 21, 2017
Linkin Park playlist as our warm up songs today 😢 #RIPChesterBennington pic.twitter.com/4te5so3467
— Kobe | KoKo Wave (@_kokoparas) July 21, 2017