The family of bass guitarist Chi Cheng of the alternative metal band, Deftones confirmed that the musician died early Saturday morning. A car accident from 2008 left Cheng in a coma and he never fully recovered, he was 42.
Cheng and his sister were involved in a collision in Santa Clara, Calif. with another car that sent their vehicle rolling out of control. Cheng, who was driving, was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from his seat and suffered major injuries that left him in a coma. His sister suffered minor injuries and was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident. Over the years, Cheng's condition showed signs of improvement, though he entered a semi-conscious state a year after the accident. In 2010, he saw limited improvements in mobility and could move his legs again.
Over the weekend, Cheng was taken to the emergency room where he died suddenly, his heart just stopped according to a statement on fansite, 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," the statement from Cheng's mother read.
Vocalist Chino Moreno of the Deftones left a message on his Facebook account posting "Rest in peace Chi Cheng." Cheng was one of the co-founders of the Deftones which started in 1998.
"The music industry has lost a proud and passionate performer all too soon, and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, his bandmates, and his fans worldwide who are mourning his untimely and unfortunate passing," Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said. The Deftones won a Grammy in 2001 for best metal performance.
