Earlier this evening, it was revealed that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away. The bassist had been in a semi-conscious state since a serious car accident in 2008, though had been showing signs of improvement over the past year. Cheng was 42 years old.
Oneloveforchi, a website set up by the Cheng family to provide updates on his condition, confirmed the sad news via the following statement:
“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 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)”
Cheng was an original member of Deftones, while former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega has been filling in on bass (both live and in the studio) since the car accident. A statement from Deftones regarding the passing of their bandmate has yet to be released, and details are still emerging. It goes without saying, though, that everyone had high hopes for Cheng’s recovery. Our condolences go out to Cheng’s family and friends.
