Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington has died aged 41 in an apparent suicide.

The American rock singer was found hanged at his home in California shortly before 9am on Thursday morning, according to website TMZ.

Bennington, who also performed with band Dead by Sunrise, was married and had six children.

He died on what would have been the 53rd birthday of his late friend Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, who killed himself in May this year.

Image: Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson and Bennington performed at Chris Cornell's funeral

Bennington's bandmate Mike Shinoda posted on Twitter: "Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one."


Cornell's wife Vicky wrote: "Just when I thought my heart couldn't break any more... I love you T."

The local coroner's office said Bennington's death "is being handled as a possible suicide".

A Palos Verdes Estates police spokesperson told Sky News: "At 8.56 we responded to a call at the 2800 block, Via Victoria.

"This remains under investigation."

Shocked and heartbroken, but it's true. An official statement will come out as soon as we have one. — Mike Shinoda (@mikeshinoda) July 20, 2017

Bennington, born in Phoenix, Arizona, battled drug and alcohol addiction at various times throughout his life but in 2011 said he had been sober for six years.

He was sexually abused as a child and suffered physical bullying at school, he revealed in interviews.

Bennington's children came from his two marriages and a previous relationship, while he also adopted one of his sons.

Linkin Park achieved international fame with their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000, which reached number four in the UK charts.

The Grammy award-winning band achieved UK number one albums with Meteora in 2003, Minutes to Midnight in 2007, and Living Things in 2012.

Five of their singles also reached the top 10 in the UK charts, and they famously collaborated with rapper Jay-Z for 2004 EP Collision Course.

Image: Linkin Park achieved three number one albums in the UK

They released their latest album One More Light on 19 May this year, two days after Cornell hanged himself in a hotel room.

Bennington sang Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah at Cornell's funeral.

Linkin Park are currently on a world tour and are scheduled to perform in Massachusetts on 27 July, the night before they are due to co-headline with fellow bands Blink 182 and Wu-Tang Clan at a concert in New York.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.