Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter has released a statement on behalf of the band following bassist Chi Cheng‘s passing on 13th April. Cheng died from complications following a 2008 car accident that left him in a semi-conscious state.
Carpenter said:
There are so many things I can say, and yet at this moment, none of it matters or compares to the loss everyone feels. There will be a hole in our lives where Chi once was. But that will be filled every day with all of our love and memories we all have in our heart. He will always be here because of love.
It’s time we all give our love and best, and do our best to love. Especially ourselves. Chi would want that for everyone. All our healing will begin with love.
I love you, Chi.
Cheng sustained his injuries over 4 years ago, when the car he was a passenger in collided head-on with another vehicle in Santa Clara, California. Cheng was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. In the years since the accident, he had regained some awareness but never the ability to communicate verbally.
Cheng was an accomplished poet and author as well as a musician. He was 42.
