Chester Bennington’s Ex-Wife Speaks out About His Death

Samantha Bennington, the ex-wife of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, is speaking out about his death. She took to Facebook on Sunday to pen a heartbreaking message to the “In The End” vocalist, with whom she shares one child.

The two were married from 1996 to 2005, according to Rolling Stone. In the letter, Samantha says that she, Chester, and their child, Draven, are “extremely spiritual.”

Read the full post from Samantha Bennington below.

“We do not believe there is a hell. We believe that we as souls make ‘soul contracts’ we agree to come into this world with the knowledge of our destiny & when it’s fulfilled we move on to a higher vibration of energy, meaning ‘the next level.’ He fulfilled his destiny while helping others every step of the way through his music, a hand shake, a conversation, or even a hug. No matter if you saw him on stage, had an opportunity to meet him anywhere he truly touched everyone in a positive way.

“He absolutely loved singing for each & every one of you & for all of his friends & family at home all the time. I have always missed him singing throughout our home & loved it when he would visit, he would sing for us every time we ask or just spontaneously . He absolutely had a God given talent! 
We are all created the same & connected so Chester you are never “gone”.

“Our souls & energy are forever connected. Chester, as one of my best friends of the age of 19, a husband, father to my son, business partner, and all we created together, I’m truly honored to have completed our soul contracts together, build all we did together, & thank you for giving me the greatest gift ever, our beautiful son Draven.

“I promise to continue to raise a great man who has integrity, humility, kindness, & most of all compassion & love. I do feel your presence as a guardian angel watching over us & Im extremely filled with gratitude. Thank you to Draven’s god parents Uncle Stefie & Moni along with friends & family for joining us in with a raw ruby crystal that we shared a prayer, we all kissed the stone, & prayed to chester to find peace & fill his heart with love. Then our son through it in the ocean as an offering to God/Source.We also want to thank our family and friend who traveled close & far for their support & continuous love. We will always love you Chester. From the bottom of our hearts .. love Sam & Draven Bennington.”

Bennington was found dead in his California home a week-and-a-half ago. Since his death, a number of shocking details have surfaced. Read the latest on the Linkin Park singer’s suicide below.

Details of Chester Bennington’s Funeral Service

On Saturday, Bennington was laid to rest during a private funeral service at Palos Verdes, California’s South Coast Botanic Garden.

The Grammy-winning singer’s family, bandmates, and friends attended the service. Each attendee was given a yellow wristband bearing Bennington’s name.

Up Next: Linkin Park’s Bassist Opens up About Chester Bennington’s Legacy

Austin Carlile, the former Of Mice and Men frontman, shared a photo of the concert-style VIP passes which featured a photo of the “Numb” hitmaker performing sans shirt for a stadium crowd. The guests were given the passes in order to enter the private service.

At the service, a drum kit was set up on a stage at the botanic garden as a musical tribute to Bennington. The songwriter, 41, was found dead in his home in Los Angeles on July 20. The coroner ruled the singer’s death a suicide.

 

Linkin Park’s Bassist Reflects on Chester Bennington’s Legacy

Dave Farrell, the bassist for Linkin Park, waited a matter of days to comment on his bandmate’s death.

Farrell originally only shared one word in response to Bennington‘s suicide: “Heartbroken.” However, he took to Twitter to write in a series of tweets about his shared gratitude with fans and looked back on the legacy his friend is leaving behind.

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“It goes without saying, this last week has been extremely difficult,” he wrote. “The outpouring of love and kindness I’ve received from friends and from all over the world has been incredible. I wish I could personally thank every one of you for your love and support.”

“A huge part of Chester’s legacy will be the memories we hold of him in our hearts. He was an enthusiastic, playful father, an honest, passionate musician, and a loyal friend,” he added.

More: Linkin Park Endorses Fans’ Worldwide Tributes to Chester Bennington

The musician also went on to request that Linkin Park fans from around the world to send in the tributes they’ve created.

“If you have pictures from any memorials or events you’ve attended in memory of Chester, please send your favorites,” he wrote. “I’d love to repost them.”

He proceeded to follow through on that promise, quote-tweeting tons of heart-felt tributes from across the globe.

See some of Farrell’s favorites below:

Chester Bennington’s Widow Breaks Silence Following Singer’s Suicide

Since her late husband committed suicide earlier in July, Talinda Bennington, his widow, has spoken out for the first time.

She explained in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that her soul is “shattered.”

“One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero-their Daddy,” her message began. “We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul?”

Up Next: Chester Bennington’s Family Reportedly Wants a Private Memorial

Talinda shares three children with Bennington. They have a son named Tyler Lee, and twin girls named Lilly and Lila. From previous relationships, Bennington was also father to three children, including sons Jaime, Isaiah and Draven Sebastian. Talinda and the singer married in 2006, shortly after Chester divorced Samantha.

“The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well,” the message read.

More: Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn Shares Heartbreaking Post About Chester Bennington

“My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love,” Talinda continued.