In Memoriam: Chi Cheng

Chi ChengThe bass community has lost another great player as former Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has passed away after a five year fight for his life.

Cheng was in a car accident in 2008 in Santa Clara, California that left him in a coma. Though he had been showing signs of improvement the past two years, he succumbed to heart related issues Saturday morning around 3 a.m.

He was 42 years old.

The news of Cheng’s passing was posted by his mother on the site 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 [sic] 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)”

Cheng’s final recordings with the band were for an effort entitled Eros, which hasn’t been released since his accident occurred. Deftones singer Chino Moreno has said in the past that the album will be released one day, but has not given specifics on when.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Chi Cheng.

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Leave a Reply to David Wallette Cancel reply

  1. wow! this is real sad for all.the world lost another great bass player.we pray for the family and that all finds peace.

  2. Indeed a sad day for the music community. Prayers to Chi’s family. R.I.P.

  3. uno de mis referentes al momento de tocar bajo… no era un tipo muy tecnico ni espectacular, pero tocaba lo que debía y hacia sonar a Deftones como un cañón. Por lo menos ahora estará más tranquilo… Grande Chi