Wife of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington speaks about his death for the first time.

Warning: This article contains details about suicide which may be distressing for some readers.

One week ago, the lead singer of rock band Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, was found dead at his southern California home.

It’s believed the singer – who had a history of alcohol and drug abuse – took his own life.

The 41-year-old left behind his wife, Talinda Ann Bentley, and their three children. Chester was also a father to three children from a previous relationship.

For the first time since her husband’s death, Talinda has spoken about losing her “soulmate”.

“One week ago today, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero – their Daddy,” she wrote on Twitter.

“We had a fairy tale 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.”

The former model said that her and her family have felt overwhelmed by the love and support of her husband’s fans in the wake of his death.

“I know that all of you will help [keep] his memory alive,” she wrote.

“He was a bright, loving soul with an angel’s voice. And now he is pain free singing his songs in all our hearts.

“Help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would’ve wanted us to do so. Rest In Peace, my love.”

Talinda and Chester were married in 2006 and have three children: Tyler Lee, born in 2006 and six-year-old twins, Lilly and Lila.

The musician’s death came a week before the band was due to begin the US leg of their latest tour. He was also found on what would have been his friend and fellow musician Chris Cornell’s 53^rd birthday.

Cornell took his own life in May this year.

After his death, Chester’s remaining band mates revealed his death had left them “heartbroken”.

The complexities of reporting on suicide. Post continues...

“Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled – a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing,” the band said in a statement.

“We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place.

“You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human.”

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.