Chester Bennington's heartbreaking letter to Chris Cornell has made its way to the internet. The Soundgarden frontman died in an apparent suicide on 18 May. He was 52 years old.

Bennington, 41, from the band Linkin Park, who also died in an apparent suicide on Thursday evening (20 July), penned an emotional letter following the death of Cornell, in which he said he "can't imagine" a world without the latter.

Bennington, who was a close friend of Cornell, was found dead at his private LA residence. According to reports, police confirmed that Bennington's death was a result of suicide by hanging.

In the letter, Bennington said he was 'weeping with sadness' following the sudden death of Cornell.

"I dreamt about the Beatles last night. I woke up with Rocky Raccoon playing in my head and a concerned look my wife's face. She told me my friend had just passed away," he said

"Thoughts of you flooded my mind and I wept. I'm still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family."

He also said how Cornell inspired him, and how he felt Cornell was "saying goodbye in your own way".

"You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivalled. your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one."

"I suppose that's what we all are. You helped me understand that. I just watched a video oof you singing 'A Day In The Life' by the Beatles and thought of my dream. I'd like to think you were saying goodbye in your own way. I can't imagine a world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life. I send my love to your wife and children, friends and family."


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Chester Bennington and wife Talinda Ann Bentley
Musician Chester Bennington of Linkin Park (R) and wife Talinda Ann Bentley (L) arrive at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty