Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passes away

Deftones bass player Chi Cheng has passed away at the age of 42. Cheng has been in a semi-comatose state since a 2008 car accident. The following statement was issued by Cheng's family via Oneloveforchi.com: "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." ------------------------------------------- UPDATE: Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter has issued a statement regarding the passing of Chi Cheng: ------------------------------------------- UPDATE: A slew of comments from notable musicians have been offered up via Twitter. Here's a sampling: "Just heard that Chi from the Deftones passed away. That's really sad news. I didn't really know him. But he was an awesome bass player. RIP." - Slash "R.I.P Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng. Very sweet and talented guy. Head injury from car accident. Everyone please wear seatbelt and live." - Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) "My friend Chi passed away. My heart goes out to his family, and to my friends in @deftones. This is indeed a sad day..." - Corey Taylor (Slipknot) "Wow. Just heard that Chi Cheng of the Deftones has died. Very sad. Love that band." - Frank Turner "R.I.P. Chi Cheng #Deftones" - Lamb of God "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, our hearts go out to Chi's family, friends & fans" - Hatebreed "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chi Cheng, bassist of Deftones. Rest in Peace Chi" - In Flames "rest peacefully Chi Cheng." - Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die) "RIP Chi Cheng. You will be greatly missed by millions. #oneloveforchi" - Impending Doom "RIP Chi Cheng, your music changed my life" - Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath) "RIP Chi Cheng. Your music has always been a source of inspiration for us." - He Is Legend "Saddened to hear about the passing of Chi Cheng of @deftones. Blessings to his family and loved ones. RIP" - Brian Fair (Shadows Fall) "RIP Chi Cheng. Our Condolences to the entire @deftones family." - Touche Amore "RIP Chi Cheng! Damn sad news, thoughts to family, friends and all Deftones!" - Billy Graziadei (Biohazard) "RIP Chi Cheng @deftones A tough fate & hard struggle. Condolences to his family, band,friends. A sad day to remember." - Angela Gossow (Arch Anemy) "RIP Chi Cheng. The Deftones have forever been a huge inspiration to us and countless others. Our thoughts are with all of you." - Pianos Become The Teeth