The alt-rock world is in mourning today following the death of Deftones bass player Chi Cheng. He was 42.
As Blabbermouth and Consequence Of Sound report, Cheng had been in a vegetative state for the last four years – a result of his involvement in a serious car accident in November 2008.
Cheng had been fighting since the accident to recover to full conciousness but had also been struck down with a series of illnesses and infections. He had emerged from his coma for brief intervals to open his eyes and was able to see and hear things going on around him, but could not respond verbally to people’s questions.
UPDATE: Deftones have released an official statement on the passing of Cheng.
The following statement was issued by his family on the official fundraising site which they set up to cover his medical expenses:
“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 bass duties have been handled by former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega since the car accident. A statement from the Deftones has yet to be released. The band are scheduled to visit Australia for a series of club shows next month.
