R.I.P. Deftones’ Chi Cheng

Sorry to start Monday with sad news, but Deftones co-founder and bass player, Chi Cheng has passed away this weekend at the age of 42. According to the statement by Chi’s mother, “He fought the good fight,” which is truth after a 2008 car accident left Chi paralyzed and partially conscious. For the last five years, the metal community has banded together throwing benefits to help with medical costs, and Chi’s presence has remained an important one in the Deftones despite the band soldiering on with Quicksand bassist, Sergio Vega in his place. Chi will be remembered for his contributions to alternative-metal music including the five albums he released with Deftones before his accident.

From oneloveforchi.com

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 site 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)