Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington found dead in Los Angeles

TMZ reports the 41-year-old was found dead at a private home in Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles yesterday.

Law enforcement officials say his body was found shortly before 9am.

The singer had battled drugs and alcohol in the past.

Formed in 1996, Linkin Park gained international fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000, for which Bennington was vocalist.

Their next two albums, Meteora, in 2003 and Minutes to Midnight (2007) also topped the Billboard charts.

Initially a nu metal and rap metal band, Linkin Park explored other genres, adding electronic sounds and beats to their fourth album, A Thousand Suns, in 2010 and returning to heavier rock by their sixth album, The Hunting Party, in 2014 Linkin Park has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and has won two Grammy Awards.

Bennington joined Linkin Park in 2000, and formed his own band, Dead by Sunrise, in 2005. He also worked on material with the Stone Temple Pilots in 2013.

If you need help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
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• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666

There are lots of places to get support. For others, click here

- NZ Herald