This weekend, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away, over four years after the serious car accident that left him in a semi-conscious state. While members of the metal and rock community have voiced their sadness and support for Cheng’s family since, we now have our first comment from one of Cheng’s bandmates.

Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter issued the following statement:

“There are so many things I can say, and yet at this moment, none of it matters or compares to the loss everyone feels. There will be a hole in our lives where Chi once was. But that will be filled everyday with all of our love and memories we all have in our heart. He will always be here because of love. It’s time we all give our love and best, and do our best to love. Especially ourselves, Chi would want that for everyone. All our healing will begin with love. I love you, Chi.”

It’s unclear whether other members of the Deftones will issue separate statements. However, it’s understandable that they’re all still in a state of shock. We can only imagine how hard it was for the guitarist to post such a statement, let alone so soon after Cheng’s death. As Carpenter states, though, “All our healing will begin with love.” There was a candlelight vigil held for Cheng last night in Sacramento.

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