Original Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away at 3 AM Saturday morning (April 13, 2013) after being taken to the emergency room and his heart stopping, at the age of 42.

He was involved in an auto accident in November 2008 when his vehicle flipped three times after hitting another oncoming vehicle and later left him in a comatose state in which his status was looking promising towards a recovery until his sudden passing. There is no further information whether his passing was linked to the accident or not.

His family issued a statement on a charity website dedicated to him, OneLoveForChi.com:

“Our dearest Family,

This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing. I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you. He was taken to the emegency room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear.

He fought the good fight.You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone. I will write more later. I will be going through the oneloveforchi and any other information may not be reliable. If you have any stories or messages to share please send them to the onelove site. Please hold Mae and Ming and the siblings and especially Chi’s son, Gabriel in your prayers. It is so hard to let go.

With great love and “Much Respect!” Mom J (and Chi)”