Deftones’ Bassist & Founding Member Chi Cheng Passes Away

Deftones’ bassist and founding member, Chi Cheng, passed away yesterday (13th April) at the age of 42. He was taken to the emergency room in the early hours of Saturday morning, where, according to a statement from his family, he died.

Cheng had been involved in a serious car accident back in 2008, and was in a coma until mid-2009, when he was confirmed to be in a semi-conscious state. Sadly, despite reportedly making improvements since the accident, his family broke the news of his death on their support website oneloveforchi.com.

The statement made reads as follows:

‘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)’

His bandmates are currently yet to make a statement on Cheng’s passing. Our thoughts are with those close to him.