Photo: Getty Images / Burak Cingi

Chester Bennington Wasn’t On Drugs When He Died, Contrary To Reports

CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses suicide.

Contrary to an earlier story by TMZ, a toxicology report has found that Chester Bennington wasn’t under the influence of any illicit drugs at the time of his tragic death in July.

TMZ has updated its original report about the Linkin Park frontman’s autopsy and toxicology results, after mistakenly interpreting the results to suggest that Bennington had MDMA in his system.

The nu-metal icon’s bandmate Mike Shinoda called out TMZ for the error on Twitter, writing: “Just clearing this up: TMZ erroneously printed CB had MDMA in his system when he passed. That was incorrect, they misread the report. They have since corrected their piece.”

TMZ‘s updated report now reads: “According to the autopsy and toxicology results, obtained by TMZ, the Linkin Park singer’s blood also tested ‘presumptive positive” for MDMA’ (ecstasy) … based on one test. Two subsequent tests did not detect the drug, and the ultimate conclusion was Chester was not under the influence of drugs when he died.”

The toxicology results show that Chester did have alcohol in his system at the time of his death, which was officially ruled a suicide by hanging earlier this year.

The beloved Linkin Park singer was recently honoured with an all-star tribute concert, which saw Mike Shinoda unveil an emotional new song he wrote in honour of his fallen bandmate.

Meanwhile, Linkin Park are preparing to release a new live album called One More Light Live on 15th December, which will feature some of Bennington’s final live performances.

If you or anyone you know needs help or information regarding mental health, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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