April 13th, 2013 
Jacob Tender 
We have some sad news to report tonight: it seems that Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has passed away.
After a car accident in Santa Clara, CA back in 2008, Chi suffered major injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. This accident left Cheng in a coma.
In 2010, the musician showed improvement, responding to commands and moving his legs. After showing more signs of rehabilitation, he was moved to his home for recovery.
Cheng died last night at 3am in the hospital. His family left the following note on a charity website made for 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 [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)”
This is, of course, very sad news and we send our condolences to his family, friends, and band mates.
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<3 deepest Condolences and love to his family, his closest friends and fans around the world. Let Chi's passing serve as a purpose and remember to buckle up and take care of yourself. You owe it to yourself and you're loved ones <3 xox
Thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved him. R.I.P. Chi Cheng.
This is sad, such an amazing talented dude….Rest in Peace and thanks for the songs that link to my memories…
I’m in shock!!!
I had never had the chance to see Deftones live. They JUST played Honolulu, Hawaii recently. I’m so glad that I got to see them. They haven’t changed. Deftones ROCKED THE HELL out of that place! I’ll ALWAYS remember that. And I’ll always remember Chi Cheng…
That is why it is so important to wear a seat belt.
I’m extremely surprised. I honestly thought he was going to continue to improve. It’s so sad. All my love to fellow Deftones listeners, Deftones, his family and loved ones. <3
RIP Chi, thanks for everything that you contributed to us all!
Rest in Peace, Chi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3JxLv5Z0D8
A sad day for all the good music lovers. All my thoughs to him and his family. RIP mate…
your*
You made great music Chi……prayers and love to your family man….thanks for enriching my life and helping me get through high school….and love to the remaining deftones members…..
not fair :(
Deeply saddened by this news, Deepest condolences to Chi’s family.
RIP Chi :( you will be missed.
I saw the Deftones back in 2006 and I was front row in front of Chi. It always sticks with me the energy and passion he had. Rest in peace brother you will be missed but never forgotten
All my love to Chi’s family and friends. So sad, especially to such a kind soul. But it’s not his passing but his life that we remember and rejoice. <3
This is extremely sad indeed but he is in a better place no longer suffering. We love you chi ! RIP mr Cheng
I am so sad right now.
Deftones has contributed to my musical upbringing since I was 14 and Chi’s bass lines were awesome and I remember them vividly. Thank you Chi Cheng for your artistic contributions to the Deftones. You will be very missed, Sir.
-LJM
Condolence Master !
Rest In Peace MASTER !
RIP Chi. Thank you so very much for all of the music and memories that you will live on in. You made my pre-teen and teenage years a little more tolerable with your music oh so many years ago. We were all rooting for you, but when it’s time…it’s time. <3
I’m really sorry. Thank you for creating such beautiful music.
RIP CHI CHENG… condolence to the family…
faker
deftones my fav rock band!
Rest in peace my friend
Thats a bummer, always been a fan of this band. My condolences to his friends and family.
So sad! June Wilson on Fandalism sorry!
Fuck.
my sister was tboned when in the passenger seat of a friends car. they said had she been wearing her seatbelt she wouldn’t be here today
So you’re suggesting it’s better to not wear a seatbelt?
You deserve a peaceful rest with that 5-year fight, Chi. Many fans here in the Philippines are mourning. Condolences to the family.
You deserve a peaceful rest after that 5-year fight. Rest in peace, Chi. Fans here in the Philippines are mourning. Condolences to the family.
The music chi helped to create was by far the most influential musical driving force of my life, I wish his family the best.
So sad to hear this news. I did not know him. I would like to dedicate my son’s song to him. My 3 sons on ” Fandalism ” No Matter is the name. June Wilson. Vance , Ian , and Franky. my 3 sons. This song is for you Chi Cheng. Your a angel in heaven and I pray for your family. June Wilson ” I hate this kind of news.
Wow, always hoped this dude would make a comeback…sounds like he battled till the very end. RIP Chi.
Accidents happen. My husband died in 2008, he was trapped by his seat belt and burned alive. It generally DOES SAVE people’s lives but in some cases it has hindered people from getting rescued.
Blessing to all of Chi’s family and friends. He is in Paradise now, playing for everyone there. His music will always live on. Chi may you be in peace.
Rock in piece, brother Chi! All of your fans will miss you!
Seat belt or not, it means when your numbers up, it’s up. And there is nothing you or anyone can do about it.
To cool to wear a Seatbelt…
I heard about this and I went “Oh my God!” out-loud.
We lost an amazing talent today. I admit that I haven’t really followed the band over the years, but I could definitely hear the sheer musicianship that they all possessed.
I remember my first time listening to Chi and I actually exclaimed out-loud that the bass sounded awesome in the song. Bass is usually there just for that low-end, but Chi was able to do so much more.
He just had an amazing ability to play his instrument that I just couldn’t help but notice.
Rest in peace, you amazing, amazing man. We’ll miss you.
thank you for the wonderful music and memories you created. tell my love when you see him that i miss him and love him. (hes a big fan too) rest in peace chi. lots of love to the cheng family.
I still remember watching the Deftones 20 years ago at the Cattle Club in Sac. So sad to hear this news. May you rest in peace, Chi.
So very sad.
He made improvement over 4 years and then died…that’s so sad :C
we miss u… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=563370720352244&set=a.563370707018912.1073741829.562028810486435&type=1&relevant_count=1
Sad ending to a long battle…!! You were a great bassist and you lived life to the fullest. Respect to you and the @deftones RIP Chi Cheng. Our Condolences to the entire @deftones family.
Sad day for all Music lover..
we miss u… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=563370720352244&set=a.563370707018912.1073741829.562028810486435&type=1&relevant_count=1