R.I.P. Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng

BY Josiah HughesPublished Apr 14, 2013

Beloved alt-metal group Deftones and their fans will mourn this weekend as bassist Chi Cheng has passed away at 42.

The bassist fell into a coma back in 2008 after a severe car crash. He has been in a "partially conscious" state since.

Cheng's family issued the following statement via oneloveforchi:

Our dearest Family,

This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing. I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you. He was taken to the emegency room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear.

He fought the good fight.You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone. I will write more later. I will be going through the oneloveforchi and any other information may not be reliable. If you have any stories or messages to share please send them to the onelove site. Please hold Mae and Ming and the siblings and especially Chi's son, Gabriel in your prayers. It is so hard to let go.

With great love and "Much Respect!" Mom J (and Chi)


Cheng's Deftones bandmates have yet to post a statement, but we'll update if and when they do.

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