Linkin Park have issued their first public statement since frontman Chester Bennington took his own life last week. The band expressed their pain, remembered his sense of humor and praised his talent.

They did it in the form of an open letter that they published on their website and posted to their Facebook account. "Dear Chester," it began. "Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened."

"You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized," they continued. "In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.

"Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled -- a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.

"Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much."

They concluded with, "Until we see you again, LP"

The band also created a page on their website that provides phone numbers and links to help people around the world who are in need of support.

Bennington was found hanged in his home in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., on July 20. The band had released One More Light back in May, and, on the morning his body was discovered, put out the video for "Talking to Myself."

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