Deftones' Chi Cheng Passes Away

In November 2008, Deftones’ bassist Chi Cheng suffered major injuries and was left in a coma following a car crash in Santa Clara, California. He was driving with his sister when they collided with another car, sending his vehicle to roll out of control. The bassist was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car – his sister was wearing hers, and only sustained minor injuries.

In the years since the crash, Chi Cheng has been making slow but steady improvements in his recovery, according to Billboard.com. In 2009, it was reported that he was no longer in a coma but in a semi-conscious state.

A year later, doctors said he was “showing signs of improved neuro function” and more recently he regained limited ability to move his legs on command.

Over the weekend, a statement was released on his website, to say that he had passed away. It reads:

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 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. He fought the good fight. You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone.

He was 42 years old.