Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away over the weekend; he was 42. Cheng had been in a coma since November 2008, recovering from serious injuries incurred from a car accident. Though he never made a full recovery, Cheng displayed incremental improvements over the last five years: He was taken off life support in May 2009 and was able to respond to certain outside stimuli, not to mention move his legs on command, in February of last year.
Our deepest condolences go out to Cheng's family, friends and fans. The statement from Cheng's mother can be read below.
OneLoveForChi.com
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 site 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 Chiâs son, Gabriel in your prayers. It is so hard to let go.
With great love and "Much Respect!" Mom J (and Chi)