Chester Bennington's Struggle with Addiction Before 2017 Suicide

Chester Bennington, the lead singer of Linkin Park, struggled with addiction in the months leading up to his tragic suicide in 2017 at the age of 41. A new book titled 'It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park' reveals insights from his family and friends, highlighting his ongoing battle with alcoholism. Despite being sober for nearly six months before his death, Chester relapsed during the recording of the band's album 'One More Light' in 2016. His close friend Ryan Shuck noted that Chester described his struggle as an 'hour-by-hour' fight against addiction. In the days before his death, Chester was seen by bandmate Mike Shinoda at a recording studio, where they discussed music and personal challenges. Tragically, an autopsy revealed that Chester had a trace amount of alcohol in his system at the time of his death, alongside an empty bottle of Stella Artois and a half-full glass of Corona. His wife, Talinda, recognized these items as indicators of his lapse in sobriety. Chester's history with substance abuse was well-documented, with him admitting to being a 'full blown, raging alcoholic' in a 2011 interview. His struggles with addiction were compounded by the pressures of fame and personal issues, which ultimately led to his untimely passing. The book aims to shed light on Chester's legacy and the impact of his life and struggles on those around him. The revelations in the book have sparked discussions about mental health and addiction, emphasizing the importance of support systems for individuals facing similar battles. Chester's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of addiction and the need for awareness and understanding in society.