Korn guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch has been slammed online for calling Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington a 'coward' just hours after his death.

In a Facebook post, the rock star, 47, said 'giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out.'

Reacting to the controversial post, one commenter called Welch's remarks 'incredibly tactless and distasteful' while another blasted them as 'ignorant'.

Korn guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch, 47, has been slammed online for calling Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington a 'coward' just hours after his death

In a Facebook post, the rock star said 'giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out'

The 41-year-old was found dead in his home in Palos Verdes near Los Angeles shortly before 9am on Thursday.

The Korn guitarist said: 'Honestly, Chester's an old friend who we've hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly p****** me off!

'How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I'm sick of this suicide s***!

'I've battled depression/mental illness, and I'm trying to be sempethetic [sic], but it's hard when you're p*****! Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!

In a later message he added: 'I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today'

Justin Slaughter said: 'While I can empathize with an overall frustration about the situation, I think that this is an incredibly tactless and distasteful approach'

Jennifer F Piaquadio added: 'What's sad is that you have made such an ignorant comment like that'

'I'm sorry, I know meds and/or alcohol may have been involved, I'm just processing like all of us and I know we are all having some of the same thoughts/feelings.

'Lord, take Chester in your arms and please re-unite him with his family and all of us one day. Be with his wife and kids with your grace during this difficult time.'

In a later message he added: 'I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today.

'Love you Chester. I'm pissed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night.'

Commenters were very critical of the guitarist's Facebook post.

Justin Slaughter said: 'While I can empathize with an overall frustration about the situation, I think that this is an incredibly tactless and distasteful approach to a very delicate and heart breaking scenario.'

A Los Angeles County coroner has confirmed they are investigating Bennington's death as an apparent suicide

A group of five police and coroner authorities were seen at the scene earlier today

Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park perform at July 3 in London

Jennifer F Piaquadio added: 'What's sad is that you have made such an ignorant comment like that.'

MailOnline has contacted Brian Welch's representatives for comment.

A Los Angeles County coroner confirmed they were investigating Bennington's death as an apparent suicide but no additional details were available.

Friends and family of Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington are in absolute 'shock' over the rock star's apparent suicide as it's revealed they believed he 'was in a good place in his life'.

Law enforcement officials say Bennington hanged himself from a door, in a similar manner to friend Chris Cornell, in his bedroom and he was home alone at the time, according to TMZ. He was found upstairs by his housekeeper.

Band-mate Joe Hahn arrived at his home on Thursday afternoon. Other friends and relatives flipped the finger to photographers gathered outside.

After news of his shock death emerged, friends said that while they never suspected he'd kill himself, Bennington was 'never the same' after the death of his close friend Chris Cornell.

His apparent suicide coincided with Cornell's birthday. The Soundgarden rocker killed himself in May by hanging.

For confidential support on suicide matters, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here

Those seeking support should contact the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

For confidential support In Australia, call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.