DEFTONES Bassist CHI CHENG Passes Away At 42
14th April 2013
DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng has passed away yesterday (Saturday, April 13) at the age of 42. Chi had been in a semi-comatosed condition for more than four years after being seriously injured in a car accident in November 2008. In addition to not recovering full consciousness, Cheng had been in and out of hospitals for various infections as his family has struggled with the mounting costs of care since he lost his health insurance a few months after the accident.
Cheng's mother has released the following statetement regarding his passing:
Cheng required surgery after the car accident to remove part of his brain, but his recovery was strong enough that he was taken off life support seven months later.
Over the course of the past couple of years, Cheng emerged from his coma for brief intervals. He was able to open his eyes and apparently could see and hear things going on around him, but could not respond verbally.
DEFTONES have held several benefit concerts and continued to donate money from the band's tours. Singer Chino Moreno said that the group's fans have continued to help as well. "Whatever people can do, it's all appreciated, and it's all just in the hopes that there will be one day where he can talk back and have a conversation and see his kids and, you know, continue on living, you know," he said. "That's what we pray and hope for, you know what I mean, that's all we can do."
Sergio Vega continues to play bass for the band. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after Cheng's accident, and stayed on to record 2010's "Diamond Eyes" and last year's "Koi No Yokan" with the group.
This is, of course, very sad news and everyone from All About The Rock send their condolences to Chi's family, friends, and band mates.