Linkin Park star Chester Bennington laid to rest

Chester Bennington has been laid to rest in a private funeral.

The Linkin Park frontman's funeral took place at South Coast Botanic Gardens - near his home in Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, where he died earlier this month - with just a few hundred people in attendance, TMZ reports.

Chester's family wanted a private memorial for the 41-year-old star and the service was attended by family members, friends, bandmates and musicians he had worked with over the years.

Mourners at the invitation-only memorial were given wristbands and an access pass.

Although fans could not attend the Palos Verdes funeral, Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda recently shared details of worldwide memorials for his late bandmate.

In his Instagram post - which offered fans an update in the week since Chester's passing - Mike also thanked their followers on behalf of his band mates Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and Rob Bourdon for their support during the difficult time.

Mike wrote: "One week. Feels like forever. I'm here for a couple updates. I know these links aren't clickable. Just type them out in your browser; they're easy to remember.

"1.) If you need a (local) place to celebrate Chester, look to tiny.cc/lpmemorial and all the amazing fan sites I've previously mentioned.

"2.) If you're having suicidal thoughts, go to chester.linkinpark.com

"3.) If you're going to buy merch in honour of Chester, consider who the purchase benefits. Don't give money to scumbag bootleggers and opportunists. Linkin Park official merchandise is at store.linkinpark.com

"4.) If you want to donate in honour of Chester, do it at musicforrelief.org

"5.) Brad, Joe, Rob, Dave, and I love you all very much. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this extremely difficult time. (sic)"

Meanwhile, Chester's wife says her life has been turned into a "sick Shakespearean tragedy" following his death. 

Talinda Bennington has spoken out for the first time since the Linkin Park frontman - who had six children - committed suicide earlier this month aged 41, and she admitted her "fairytale life" has been left in tatters after losing her "soulmate". 

She wrote: "One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero - their Daddy. We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. 

"How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul? 

"The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left. 

"I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well."

Talinda praised Chester - who had three children, Tyler, 11, and six-year-old twins Lilly and Lila, with her - for being "bright" and having an "angel's voice", but admitted he is now "pain free". 

In the statement, issued to Rolling Stone magazine, she added: "My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all of our hearts. 

"May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love.

Always, Mrs.Talinda Bennington"

Chester also had son Draven, 15, with his ex-wife Samantha Olit, and Jaime, 21, from his relationship with Elka Brand, as well as her son Isaiah, who he adopted in 2006. 

The star was found dead at his Los Angeles home by his housekeeper and authorities investigating his death found no obvious signs of drug abuse.

If you need help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666

There are lots of places to get support. For others, click here

- Bang! Showbiz