Less than a week has passed since the world said goodbye to Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington. Today, for the first time since the news broke, Bennington’s bandmates came together to release a statement for their fallen friend.

In a message posted simultaneously across all the band’s channels, Linkin Park wrote to Bennington with love and heavy hearts. Their message reads:

“Dear Chester,

Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened.

You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.

Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.

Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.

Until we see you again,

LP

Visit ​Chester.LinkinPark.com“

Bennington is survived by his six children.

Blink-182, who were scheduled to tour with Linkin Park beginning later this week, cancelled all scheduled performances. In their announcement, the band wrote:

“blink-182 is wrecked by the loss of our friend and amazing musician Chester Bennington,” the group wrote in a note on social media. “We could never imagine playing blinkin park without his incredible talent and voice. It just would not be possible. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, bandmates, friends and fans. Refunds will be available at the place of purchase.”

The future of Linkin Park is uncertain at this point, but it seems highly unlikely that the band will continue. We will bring you more information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please do you part to help normalize the discussion around mental health so that others feel able to speak out whenever they find themselves in a difficult situation.