After a mother of two and a teenager in Argentina, we now tragically have a third suicide inspired by the death of Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots frontman Chester Bennington, with a woman from Deleware named Melissa tragically passing away according to her family.
Melissa wrote to Linkin Park in a comment on one of their photos on Facebook on July 15th, 5 days prior to Bennington’s death, “hi. Hate to bother you. Im in a dark place. Suicidal of sorts (no ploy or lie). The ONLY thing thats keeping me alive is your show in NJ on 8/1. IT would mean life or death if you could find it in your heart to give me an autograph or to meet you. Im living for you and its urgent. THank you Melissa [Phone number redacted]. I tried writing GRay Rollins to no avail.”
A fan responded that her post was ‘sad’ on July 17th. Mintz wrote back on July 17th, “it’s the honest to god truth.”
Following Chester Bennington’s suicide on July 20th, concerned fans replied to Melissa’s comment concerned with her well being. It was later discovered that she died by reported suicide.
Melissa’s Facebook cover photo was of Linkin Park, and her profile description read, “metal, cooking, flea markets, concerts, bisexual, Linkin Park Soldier, work in progress.”
Melissa’s brother wrote on Facebook, “It is with great sorrow that we inform you that my sister Melissa has unexpectedly passed away. We hope that she has now found the peace & happiness that she so well deserved. She will always be in our hearts forever.
Here is a toast to you.
May her memory be a blessing.”
A neighbor named Becca wrote on Facebook that she witnessed the coroner removing the body. Rest in peace Melissa.
Note from Alternative Nation: I’m usually very careful about vetting the causes we link to on here, but I discussed this with LPLive co-founder Mark Terrell, a prominent member of the Linkin Park fan community who I first got to know a bit a few years ago when Chester Bennington joined Stone Temple Pilots. This is a great cause, and really honors Chester and also Chris Cornell who we tragically lost recently, so definitely check this piece out and think about donating at the link provided at the end of the article.
Linkin Park fans,
Several days later, we are still hurting in the wake of Chester’s death. We are all mourning, but healing as a community.
As a musician and as a humble, respectable person, Chester taught all of us kindness and to help those in need. Many of you have volunteered with Linkin Park’s Music for Relief organization over the years and have made lasting impacts across the globe because of it. Lots of you have donated money to MFR or participated in worldwide events to better the planet.
As fans, we have all witnessed Chester’s extraordinary outgoing personality, making time for those in need. We have endless stories of his generosity, from visiting sick children in the hospital to bringing fans on stage from the “Make a Wish” Foundation to spending extra time at the Meet & Greets for fans. In his personal life, Chester supported MusiCares, PETA, and the Grammy Foundation as well. Simply put, Chester was a shining star in the music community because of his hospitality and unselfishness. And not only that – his lyrics and incredible voice have helped millions cope with their personal lives… from depression to abuse and more.
At such a tragic time in the world, we cannot just sit and grieve. This is why we have decided to unite with our friends at 10 Years Association, who cover a band that Linkin Park introduced us to… 10 Years, to start a fundraising campaign for S.A.V.E. (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education). You can read more about SAVE here: https://save.org/who-we-are/
“SAVE was one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Our work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping every person with the right tools, we know we can SAVE lives.”
The mission statement for SAVE reads, “To prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.” Together, with the Linkin Park community, 10 Years community, and worldwide music base touched by this tragedy, we hope to raise awareness of the tragedy that is suicide and to provide a helping hand to a nonprofit who is able to effectively use their resources on a larger scale to truly assist those in need.
In times like these, we need to be here for each other, lifting each other up… not just to listen to those in pain, but to offer assistance and a hand of support. We hope you will join our support for SAVE at the following link:
LPLIVE AND 10 YEARS ASSOCIATION SUICIDE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
Additionally, both LPLive and 10 Years Association have Discord chats open for anyone who is suffering right now and wants someone to talk to. We have members from all over the world in our chat from Brazil to China and more. Please come to us if you are in a time of need.
LPLive Discord
10 Years Association Discord
Much love to everyone, and we are always one tweet, message, etc away for support.
