Chester Bennington dead: Linkin Park frontman's wife issues heartbreaking statement about her husband's death

'We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy'

Artists across many genres have paid tribute to Bennington and his vocal talents

The wife of Chester Bennington has spoken for the first time following the Linkin Park frontman's death by suicide.

Talinda Bennington issued a powerful statement to fans, which began: “One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero - their daddy. We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul?

It continues: “The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well.

“My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love.“

The nu-metal pioneer's final purchase was seemingly revealed earlier this week leading many to believe he may have been setting up his wife and six children for life ahead of his death.

Bennington was found dead in his Los Angeles home on the 53rd birthday of his close friend Chris Cornell, the Soundgarden frontman who died by suicide in May - something prevention experts believe may bear some importance.

Following his death, Bennington's Linkin Park band mates created a suicide prevention website where fans can leave their own tributes as well as seek advice should they need it.