Samantha Bennington Says Chester’s Dad Died Alone
Samantha Bennington, the ex-wife of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, has shared new details about the death of Chester’s father, alleging that multiple relatives were not told he was unwell and therefore did not get the chance to visit. In an emotional statement posted online, she said she and other members of the family only learned he had died after the fact, and she criticised what she described as a breakdown in communication within the family.
Rock Celebrities reported that Samantha said she was on the phone with two sisters-in-law, Tobi and Rene, and a niece, Amanda, when they found out their father had passed away. She also said that many people in the music industry knew him and that he had toured with her, Chester and their son Draven.
In the statement, Ms. Bennington said she had been close with Chester’s father and claimed the wider family was kept unaware of his condition, alleging that one of his sons did not share updates with his sisters, other daughters-in-law or grandchildren. She said she believed he died “all by himself” with only one son present, and described the situation as “not fair” while stressing that, in her view, no one should have to spend their final days alone.
Her comments follow earlier discussion from within the family about the loss, including when Chester Bennington’s sister announced a family tragedy and referenced tensions around how news was shared among relatives.
Samantha ended by urging family members to remember positive moments and honour Chester’s father in the way she felt he would have wanted, encouraging relatives to stay together and focus on gratitude despite the dispute she described.
