RIP Chi Cheng, bassist for The Deftones

[Carlota69]

I was lucky enough to meet him a few times. Incredible bassist, and really good guy. It's been a long time coming, and I'm sure in many ways its a relief for the family. Sad, nonetheless.


Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who has been in a semi-conscious state since a 2008 car accident, died early Saturday morning, his family announced. He was 42. In a statement posted on the fan site Oneloveforchi.com, Cheng's family writes that the musician was taken to the emergency room where he died at 3 a.m.

"He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear," wrote Jeanne Marie Cheng, or "Mom J" for short.

Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno confirmed Cheng's passing on his Facebook page. At press time the Grammy-winning band has not made a formal statement.

Cheng suffered major injuries and was left in a coma following a November 2008 car crash in Santa Clara, Calif. The bassist was driving with his sister when they collided with another car, sending his vehicle rolling. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. His sister was wearing hers, and only sustained minor injuries.

"Chi is one of the strongest people I know, and I'm praying that his strength will get him through this," Moreno said at the time on the Deftones' blog.

In the years since, Cheng had been making slow but steady progress in his recovery. 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." Recently he regained limited ability to move his legs on command.

Most updates regarding Cheng since his accident have come through the Oneloveforchi site, which was started by fan Gina Blackmore. The site, which is currently down likely due to incresased traffic, has raised money for Cheng's medical expenses and the bassist's family regularly posts messages there.

Cheng co-founded Deftones in the late 1980s with fellow Sacramentoans Moreno, Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham. He was an integral part of the nu-metal band's success, performing on their first five albums, released between 1994 and 2006. Commercially the group peaked in 2000 with the platinum-selling "White Pony," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and contained the hit "Change (In the House of Flies)." A self-titled followup in 2003 debuted at No. 2.

In late 2008, they were putting the finishing touches on the next full-length album, titled "Eros." Following Cheng's accident, the band ultimately decided to shelve the project and later recruited Sergio Vega, formerly of Quicksand, to play bass. They have released two albums since.

The Cheng family statement is below:

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 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.

With great love and “Much Respect!” Mom J (and Chi)

[Rasputin]

Sorry to hear that for you Carlota69.

[Priest31kc]

Big Deftones fan...sad to hear. RIP

[B14ckmon]

Very sad. If was inevitable but still. You're my passenger Cheng.

[WhawhaWhat]

Sad day. Deftones is one of my top 3 favorite bands.

[Mi_chief_fan]

RIP- last concert I attended was Deftones & Pantera opening for the original Black Sabbath. Sadly, both the Deftones & Pantera will be no more. Somehow, Sabbath has outlived them.

[Bump]

I was just listening to Koi No Yokan last night. RIP

[B14ckmon]

Originally Posted by Mi_chief_fan

RIP- last concert I attended was Deftones & Pantera opening for the original Black Sabbath. Sadly, both the Deftones & Pantera will be no more. Somehow, Sabbath has outlived them.

...Cheng has been in a coma since 2008. The deftones last album was last November...

[Carlota69]

Originally Posted by Mi_chief_fan

RIP- last concert I attended was Deftones & Pantera opening for the original Black Sabbath. Sadly, both the Deftones & Pantera will be no more. Somehow, Sabbath has outlived them.

Deftones are actually in the middle of one of their most successful albums. They may have finally found the success they deserve. They are alive and kicking. It's just sad the Chi isn't a part of their rise...

[Carlota69]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

Sad day. Deftones is one of my top 3 favorite bands.

Me too. White Pony is one of my fave albums of all time.

[BlackHelicopters]

Condolences. R.I.P.

[Johnny Vegas]

I had bought tix to a deftones show before the car accident and they had canceled the show. Its been a mission of mine to see deftones and really wish I got to see the original members. deftones was my 2nd favorite band as a teenager. RIP Chi.

[QuikSsurfer]

RIP
He was an outstanding bassist and an even better human being.

[Simply Red]

[Johnny Vegas]

Korn named a song after Chi on the life is peachy album.