Former bassist and one of the founding members of alternative metal band, Deftones, Chi Cheng has passed away at the age of 42.

The musician suffered major injuries and was left in a coma following a car accident in 2008. It was announced that he died early Saturday morning (April 13th).

In the years since the crash, Cheng had began to make some slow and steady improvements. In 2009 it was announced that he was no longer in a coma, but instead in a semi conscious state. Despite these improvements the bassist had not made a full recovery. No official cause of his death has been announced.

Following the accident, updates on the bassists condition have been posted on ‘oneloveforchi.com’; a site started by fan Gina Blackmore. The website also offers a donate section to help raise funds for the musician.

A statement posted by his mum, Mom J on ‘oneloveforchi.com, said: “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 site 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)”.

Vocalist Chino Moreno took to Facebook to confirm Chi Cheng’s death, and to also pay tribute; writing ‘Rest in Peace Chi Cheng’.

The band have yet to release an official statement regarding the bassist’s death.

Along with Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham, Cheng founded the Deftones in 1988. The bassist performed on five of the bands albums.