Chi Cheng, Deftones bassist dead at 42

Former Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has died aged 42.

Cheng, a founding member of the band along with singer Chino Moreno, had been in a "partially conscious state" since a 2008 car accident. He died on Saturday morning (April 13), said his family in a statement posted on Oneloveforchi.com.

"This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing," wrote his mum (Mom J) in the statement. "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 emergency room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear."

It continued: "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 site 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."

Cheng suffered major injuries and was left in a coma after being involved in a car crash in 2008. The bassist was driving in the car with his sister when he collided with a car head on. While his sister only suffered minor injuries as she was wearing a seatbelt, Cheng was ejected through the window.

Chi Cheng formed Deftones with Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham in 1988. The bassist was a vital member of the band and performed on the nu-metal group's first five albums. His final release was 2006's 'Saturday Night Wrist'. The band were putting together the final touches of 'Eros' at the time of the crash.
Read more at http://www.nme.com/news/deftones/69724#veIygmqLzETrsxY1.99

Chi Cheng, Deftones bassist dead at 42

Sad.