Earlier this year, Deftones’ bassist Chi Cheng (who has been in a minimally conscious state since a 2008 car accident) had been showing signs of improvement. However, it appears that his health took a turn for the worse last week. According OneLoveForChi.com, the bassist was diagnosed with pneumonia and was sent to the ICU this past Thursday (June 14).

In a posting made yesterday (June 17), Chi’s mother (known as Momma J) gave the following update:

“Mae has been staying with Chi for most of the time since Chi went into ICU on Thursday. Today when Sal and I went in to see him, he looked better than we had expected. He was quite aware of what was going on. He is still on life support and not enjoying the tube down his throat.

He did respond to us and they are going to try to ween [sic] him off the breathing machine tomorrow. When they tried today he did not do well but he has been on it before and gotten off without incident. He is sedated part of the time but knows that he is near home and we are waiting to get him back to the house. He knows that we are there. Sal read him all of the comments that were sent to him and he knows that there are so many people sending prayers and love.

Sal took a few pics for me to share with you. He is quite intensely listening to what I say and responds in different small but deliberate ways. He knows that we are waiting for him. Thank you all again for the prayers and support! He wanted so much to be home and you all brought him home to California and to his family. We are so grateful! Please keep him lifted in prayer. Blessings to you all family!”

It is unfortunate to hear Chi’s latest decrease in health, especially after he had been showing signs of improvement. Hopefully he will recover after this set back soon. If you wish to contribute to Chi’s medical recovery, donations for his medical bills can be made over at OneLoveForChi.com.