Deftones bassist Chi Cheng died early Saturday morning, his family confirms. He was 42.
According to a statement released on his website OneLoveForChi.com, the musician, who has been in a semi-conscious state since a 2008 car accident, was taken to the emergency room where he died at 3 a.m. on April 13.
"Our dearest Family, This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing," the statement reads. "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 eme[r]gency 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."
Cheng suffered major injuries and was left in a coma following a November 2008 car crash in Santa Clara, Calif. He was driving with his sister when they collided with another car, sending his vehicle to roll out of control. The bassist was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car -- his sister was wearing hers, and only sustained minor injuries.
In the years since the crash, Cheng has been making slow but steady improvements in his recovery, according to Billboard.com. In 2009, it was reported that he was no longer in a coma but in a semi-conscious state. A year later, doctors said he was"showing signs of improved neuro function" and more recently he regained limited ability to move his legs on command.
Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno took to his Facebook page to confirm Cheng's death, writing, "Rest in peace Chi Cheng." The Grammy-winning group has yet to release an official statement.
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