real life

A letter has emerged by Linkin Park's Chester Bennington revealing his recent struggle.

New details have emerged surrounding the death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington that shed light on the frontman’s state of mind.

In one of the American band’s last songs ever written, the 41-year-old musician wrote, “If I just let go, I’d be set free”.

“I don’t like my mind right now… Stacking up problems that are so unnecessary… Wish that I could slow things down,” the lyrics to ‘Heavy’ read.

Bennington’s passing comes on the birthday of his late friend and fellow musician, Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, who took his own life just 10 weeks ago.

At the time of Cornell’s death on May 18, Bennington posted a heartfelt letter to Twitter expressing his grief over the loss of his close friend.

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“I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family,” he wrote.

“I can’t imagine a world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life.”

Bennington was found dead at his southern California home in an apparent suicide, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office says.

Coroner’s office spokesman Brian Elias said his office had been notified by law enforcement of his death on Thursday morning.

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Bennington was married to Talinda Ann Bentley, with whom he had three children. He had another three children in a previous relationship.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park performs onstage during River City Rockfest at the AT&T Center on May 24, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo via Getty)

Bennington had a history of alcohol and drug abuse. He had spoken openly in the past about his struggles to overcome his demons when Linkin Park first found success in 2000 with the album Hybrid Theory.

In the US the group sold 10 million copies of Hybrid Theory, and then another 4 million with 2003’s multi-platinum Meteora.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.