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Chi Cheng Obituary
Cheng, 42, was taken to an emergency room, where his heart stopped early Saturday, his mother, Jeanne Marie Cheng, wrote on the website, One Love for Chi, that had been set up to support him.
He and his band mates won a Best Metal Performance Grammy in 2001, was a "powerful bassist who was larger than life on stage," the Recording Academy, the industry organization that presents the Grammys, said in a statement Sunday.
"Although the group's early years were more heavy metal-based," the statement read, "they were one of the first bands to incorporate a more alternative and ethereal sound into their thunderous and visceral music, blazing a trail that newer bands continue to follow today."
Cheng played on five albums with the band.
He was ejected from a car that collided head-on with another vehicle on Nov. 4, 2008.
Despite spending years comatose, he had recently shown some signs of improvement, said Cheng's hometown newspaper, The Sacramento Bee, which first reported his death.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
104 Entries
Bruce Campbell
May 7, 2025
I never got to know you but the stories my dad told me about is the best and I hope that heaven is treating you well uncle Cheng
Eva Copeland
January 24, 2025
rip chi. you were part of one of the best bands of all time!
Anthony Hutcherson
August 26, 2024
The Deftones helped me through some of the darkest times I've ever experienced in this life. When it felt like everyone turned their back, the music never left. Chi, your music is a sanctuary to me. Thank you so much for your contributions. You will always live on in those radio waves floating through space. You will always be loved by your true fans. May God bless all of you. Thank you for sharing your blessing with the world.
Trezz
January 22, 2024
One love for Chi❤ we miss you, hope you’re rocking in heaven. much love Chi!!!
How you can show support
breanna
January 16, 2023
rest in peace chi, youve changed the lives of many.
we all miss you.
a fan
August 30, 2022
we miss you chi
neela
July 8, 2022
thank you for your eternal contribution to music
you seemed like such an interesting individual
wish we could´ve seen what you would have created today.
April 22, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.
Tanya
December 25, 2017
Forever you will live through your music, Deftones misses you...
Francesca Mulligan
July 23, 2013
chi we miss you rest in peace.
July 23, 2013
may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Francesca Mulligan
July 23, 2013
Chi Cheng Your Family miss him so much he sick for the long time.the to let gina know whosoevers prayers chi cheng rest in peace sincerely Francesca Lisa Mulligan
Francesca Mulligan
July 23, 2013
Dear Chi Cheng, you are the metal rock star in
Sacramento califoria I like Bassist guitar. mommy Jennie marie Cheng your Family loves our son very much.P.S. everybody is gonna to be alright. one day they see him everyday.Francesca (new york city)
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
Brandon Lope
May 15, 2013
Thank you for all the great songs you left behind Chi. I won't forget the last time I saw you in person on stage. It was definitely one of the finer moments of my concert attendances. God Bless You. Thanks again.
JENNA BENNA
April 30, 2013
Chi, I know you're back to rocking out!! God couldn't stand for you to lay there any longer & suffer, now you're with us all as our angel. Thank you for visiting me in my dream. I love you! Your #1 fan!
Regina
April 29, 2013
Chi. You were one of a kind. Much love.
April 28, 2013
My Condolences,
May the many memories of Chi live on and give you comfort.May the God of all comfort give you strength during this time and in the days ahead. Rom.15:4
love you
Dominick Gonzales
April 24, 2013
Chi the Lord wanted you to enter into his heavenly kingdom. May you rest in peace Chi. Love you chi
Christina Rogers
April 24, 2013
"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
The spirit of you Chi will live on and on. Thank you for everything, so blessed to have been in your presence many many times. RIP brother.
barbara staples
April 24, 2013
Chi the lord needed you to come home.you are now where everything is pure beauty.slice that bass guitar in heaven.the angels came to carry you home.meet you at the gates of heaven chi.love forever and always.
Mary Staples
April 24, 2013
"R.I.P" <3
Nick Nasuti
April 23, 2013
R.I.P.
Melissa Moore
April 23, 2013
One love Chi! Rest in peace brother. ?
Jason Kraus
April 23, 2013
Forever a Brother, keep rockin' in heaven. Well meet you there!
Selina Delp
April 23, 2013
May your soul rest in peace....ONE L?VE....
Julie Kavanaugh
April 23, 2013
You will be forever missed, Chi. From the numerous of entries written on here, you have clearly influenced and touched so many through your music, your poetry, and through the kindred spirit you so possessed. My boyfriend met you twice and said that you were the most down to earth guy he had ever come to meet that was a rockstar. The Deftones have played a major part in our young lives. We are all family in the sense that we are all hurting from this loss. We continue to send our condolences to the Cheng family. You have gained another angel up there in heaven to watch over you. Keep rockin' out brotha. Much love
:-)
AZ Colores
April 23, 2013
Chi, you will always be thought of and forever loved. R.I.P
Manny Bueno
April 23, 2013
Thank you for changing my life with your music when i was just a young boy. Had it not been for the music you shared with me and the rest of the world I wouldnt be here making music today. Thank you for everything Chi, I love you brother
Karla Arellano
April 23, 2013
You will forever be in our hearts. Fly free Chi. One love, forever.
frank tomasek
April 23, 2013
Thanks for the memories Chi. You will be missed. R.I.P.
Cesar Ramirez
April 23, 2013
Thank you Chi, for being an amazing person, and an amazing musician who changed lives.
Omar Fuentes
April 23, 2013
We love you Chi and can't wait to see you rockin on the other side.
Crystal Beard
April 23, 2013
Dai your memory is cherished and you truly are that fire that keeps me burning inspiration. You will never be forgotten. One love
Adrianna Torres
April 23, 2013
<3
Samuel Saucedo Jr
April 23, 2013
Thanks for the memories and good times you gave everyone. ~One Love Chi~
\m/ [^_^] \m/
Tracy Hunt
April 23, 2013
Chi you are loved by so many and you will forever be in our hearts. You are such an amazing man and you are missed tremendously. You are our angel and I know you will always be watching over us. We love you Chi. Your legacy will live on forever. Be free Chi OneLove?
Antonio Sanchez
April 23, 2013
You will be missed but never forgotten Chi. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. One love.
Coco Schanel
April 23, 2013
CHI DAI you are truly missed. We will never forget you, thank you for everything!! You will live always in our heart, full of beautiful memories and with the sound of your music!! OneLove always & forever!
Rana Hayden
April 23, 2013
An angel from earth gained his wings in heaven. You were an influence to so many of us and not just with your music. We miss you so much Chi but we're comforted by knowing that you are finally free to fly. OneLove brother Chi.
Jordan Parks
April 23, 2013
I would just like to give a simple thanks. Thanks for the unreal presents you have had and continue to have in my life. Respect
Rena
April 23, 2013
You touched many lives with your soul....that light will never go out and the music will carry on and is within my heart eternal. One love forever <3
Sylvia a
April 23, 2013
All my thoughts for Chi's family and friends.... One Love forever... Legends never die...
SassDeluxe
April 23, 2013
Chi, you are missed and loved, and will live on forever through your music, and the wonderful memories we all have. Thank you for everything!!! OneLove always!! <3
Im the one with the kiss me Chino poster <3
Crystal Lopez
April 23, 2013
"Chi, Thank you for everything you brought to this world your music , poetry. You have left your mark on this earth forever and we will all miss you - Crystal L."
Carlos Sáez
April 23, 2013
I had the chance to meet Chi, back in 2006 and he was the nicest person ever. Now you can rest and fly free. You'll never be forgotten. I'll always love u. Deftones por vida. One love.
- Carlos Sáez (Barcelona, Spain)
Sigurjón Svavarsson
April 23, 2013
You have been an inspiration for me for so long! I send my greatest condolences to your family!
One Love Chi!
Rest in peace!
Sandra Flores
April 23, 2013
Chi I will always carry you in my heart and celebrate your life. You brought this world so much joy with in your work, love and giving to others. You will always be loved no matter where you are. You are a wonderful blessing that brought a strong connection to the Deftones world and community, You weren't just a member but more like family. I will always love you Chi <3 OneLove Deflove
Nikki Williams
April 23, 2013
Chi touched so many lives without knowing us all. My dad was a bass player, so naturally when I hear music I listen for the bass sounds. His music struck a chord with all of us. I want to thank you for sharing your precious gift with us. He was an amazing soul and person. Because of him I was comfortable being open minded about my fiancé being budist. I even when to temple to light an inscent for chi, And when we get married we will have him in memory, and our first dance will be a deftones song. Thank you, bless you and may these words give you comfort in knowing he is at peace. God bless you chi and thank you brother. With all my love
Allison Branscombe
April 23, 2013
My daughter Julie Remen and I want to extend our condolences to the whole family, but especially to Gabe. Both Julie and Gabe attended LDV, where we met your dad after a couple of field trips. Your dad will forever be with you in spirit Gabe; just channel your thoughts to his spirit, and you might be able to feel his wonderful energy. Just when you least expect it, he will send you a sign of his presence to comfort you. May your Dad's spirit be with you always.
suzanne millett
April 22, 2013
May the Lord Comfort you with his LOVE now and always , Mama j Gabriel, Ming and Mae. I'm deeply sorry please except my sincere heart sent Condolences you are a Beautiful Family that is loved all over the world. God Bless You
suzanne millett
April 21, 2013
MAMA J ,GABRIEL MAE MING I have so much I would love to say and wish i could hug you all. May the Love of millions of fans friends and God Comfort you through this difficult time. You are loved ...God Bless YOU ..MUCH LOVE SUZANNE
Melissa Slattery
April 21, 2013
Thank you for existing and being apart of so many lives chi, you have blessed so many people in your life. You are Deeply missed . Much love
Daniel Contreras
April 21, 2013
Deftones represent northern california.They set the bar for music in the area and I was lucky to be able to witness there talent with my own eyes.ChI has left us in his physical form but he lives on thru his music and poetry and with in the thousands and thousands of musician's he inspired over the years.Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. My name is Daniel Contreras I grew up in San Jose Ca and the deftones were the sound track to my teenage angst. Rest in Paradise Chi, you live on thru all of those you have influenced over the years. Music saved my life and you deserve a lot of that credit sir.
Adam Munoz
April 21, 2013
Chi, you will be missed by many but your music will live forever. thank you for the music and motivation. OneLOve.-Adam
Susan
April 19, 2013
RIP such an incredible talent!!
Andy Rodriguez
April 19, 2013
R.I.P CHI May U rock in Heaven Always....Will always miss ya..Thanx for all those years of great music...U will be missed forever......R.I.P CHI
edwards family
April 18, 2013
Dear family I sorry for your loss. As the bible says Chi is peacefully asleep until god awakes those who have fallen asleep in death.
Angelina Sanchez
April 18, 2013
Sleep well chi
Angelina Sanchez
April 18, 2013
Mama J,and the cheng famy.
My heart goes out to you all. Chi and the deftones are and still such a big influence on me. I know what you are going through, as I lost my husband almost 2yrs ago. Chi is resting well now. He is always around you all. RIP CHI....
ONE LOVE
Prayers for you family in this dificult time
Joe Gingerella
April 18, 2013
Chi it was so great to have known and worked with you over the years, I will miss you brother,RIP JoeyG , Joe Gingerella
April 17, 2013
You r within the light now chi. SOOO glad I got to see u tear up the stage numerous times...
April 17, 2013
Condolences to you Jeanne and your family.
I will always remember your love and positive attitude.
Pamela Lavine
Anna hendon
April 17, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. May the God of comfort be with you and your family during your time of grief.
Joseph Cyr
April 17, 2013
RIP Chi... Your fans including myself will always remember you and hold you near and dear to our hearts. With much love, gratitude and respect Joe, Reilly & Emma...
April 17, 2013
Go with God and forever fly free. RIP CHI. Xoxo SnoWhyte
Ashley Aguinaga
April 16, 2013
May you rest rest in peace Chi
Erich Colon
April 16, 2013
I never knew you personally but you've influenced my life in a big way. I'm glad I got to see you play in your prime. I'll never forget you. RIP brother.
Yvonne Arellano
April 16, 2013
The night of your passing, I dreamt of you. We were backstage and you had your bass strapped on and about to go on stage. You smiled and gave me a candy, the red and white stripe mint, as if you were getting me ready to go on stage too. I gave you a kiss on the cheek and that's all I remember. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't listen to Deftones so I know I will never forget you.
L Zeas
April 16, 2013
May you finally rest in peace, Chi <3 You will be greatly missed & forever in our hearts.
L Zeas
April 16, 2013
May you finally rest in peace, Chi <3 You will be greatly missed.
April 16, 2013
Chi, we love you brother. Hope you tear it up in heaven with all the other great musicians. RIP Old friend.....Jay W (Anxiety)
Kimberly Weller
April 16, 2013
Rest Easy Chi! You will be missed. <3
Erica Broadway
April 16, 2013
It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
Teresa Tocco
April 16, 2013
R.I.P. Chi you will be missed. Prayers go out to your family and friends.
Sandra Zimmerman
April 16, 2013
Thank you for helping to create music that helped me get through high school. Rest in Paradise brother!
Evans
April 16, 2013
Condolences to the Cheng family during this difficult time. May you be comforted and have peace. Psalm 147:4
Annette
April 16, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 16, 2013
Please accept my condolences and may the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this grievous time.
Jonalee Hill
April 16, 2013
R.I.P.... I'm one of your biggest fans. My prayers for your family & your Friends. Fly, Fly, Fly, you are God's angel now. God has chosen you to be his Angel. Fly, Fly, find the light.... May you Rest In Peace...
Alex Rodriguez
April 16, 2013
My prayers go out to chi's family and to his deftones brother. Your music and your base lines will live with me forever. Your fee now R.I.P oneloveforchi
April 16, 2013
JEANNE, ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW CHI, I KNOW HOW PROUD OF HIM YOU WERE AND ARE. MY CONDOLENCE TO YOUR FAMILY. MUCH LOVE, COUSIN JILL, BALTIMORE, MD. MARYLAND.
Joe J
April 16, 2013
What a tough loss. A great musician is gone. RIP Chi
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 16, 2013
rip
kelvin tan
April 16, 2013
Rest In Peace chi, thanks for the music man.
Heath Goff
April 16, 2013
May your soul fly high. You will truly be missed.
Patti Peterson
April 16, 2013
I met Chi after a Deftones concert in Cleveland, Ohio in 1999. I had driven 5 teenage boys there from Cincinnati and we waited backstage for hours. Chi was very polite and gave my son and his friends excellent advice (first about life, then music). Condolences to his family and friends.
steele
April 15, 2013
To the family and friends you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear love one. May the God who gives comfort , comfort you at this time.
Cathy O
April 15, 2013
RIP
FF
April 15, 2013
My condolences to the Cheng family. Know that God cares; he says "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears" 2 Kings 20:5.
Monica Morales
April 15, 2013
My heart goes out to his family, friends, and son. We are going to miss you <3
V. Webb
April 15, 2013
Offering my sincerest condolences to the family and friend of this young man gone too soon.
Dwayne Bickham
April 15, 2013
rest in peace
A. Ingram
April 15, 2013
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you.
April 15, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time. Know that as the Bible says,"time and unforseen occurrence befall us all" Ecclesiastes 9:11.
B Lucas
April 15, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Chi your dear loved one. May your fond thoughts of him bring back good memories. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you all show. [email protected]
April 15, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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