Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng In Coma After Car Crash

Headline News

posted Nov 4, 2008 at 7:01 PM by Diamond Oz. (72 Comments)

Band Photo: Deftones

The Sacremento Bee reports: Deftones bassist Chi Cheng is in a coma in a San Jose hospital following a car accident in Santa Clara on Monday.

The band's singer, Chino Moreno, reached by phone, confirmed the news but declined to give specifics.

"I don't know everything that's going on -- I just know it's very serious," Moreno said. "I'm on my way to be with his family, I'm pretty freaked out about it."

Cheng, 38, was born in Stockton and also is an accomplished poet. In 2000, he released a CD of his poetry, "The Bamboo Parachute."

The Deftones had been working on its sixth studio album, "Eros," set for a spring 2009 release. The Warner Brothers record label is expected to release a statement on Cheng's condition later today.

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72 Comments on "Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng In Coma After Car Crash"

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1. Kali writes:

Oh sh**! I am not a huge fan of Deftones, but I hope he comes out o.k!

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 7:11 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

2. BodomFan writes:

that f*ckin sucks. hopefully he'll pull thru

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 7:31 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

3. MetallicPunk writes:

Wow thats sad,I wish him the best,I think the deftones older stuff is a big influence on some of todays bands.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 7:57 PM ET | IP Logged

4. morbidfeathers writes:

DAMN!! I hope he pulls through...I just saw them perform a few weeks ago and it was so f*cking amazing...damn.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 9:22 PM ET | IP Logged

5. Tyson writes:

Hes a badass he will totally be alright. Deftones is the best band ever.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 9:24 PM ET | IP Logged

6. Zachary writes:

God bless you Chi.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 9:25 PM ET | IP Logged

Founder, owner & programmer

7. deathbringer writes:

Wow, that really sucks. I hope he pulls through as well.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 9:44 PM ET | IP Logged

8. MuDvAyNe fan writes:

o man this is horrible news hope he gets better...i am really looking forward to Eros hope they can still put it out on time.

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 10:18 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

9. Fuck_A_Name writes:

the only possible good thing I can possibly pull out of this, is that if this guy dies, we will never have to listen to another sh**ty Kanye West remix of a deftones song. that's about it.

Get better dude, i love you f***ers!

Now Playing: SOAD- Chop suey

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 10:41 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

10. InfernoNecrosis writes:

This is horrible... I hope he turns out alright. :(

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 11:03 PM ET | IP Logged

11. crhis3942 writes:

GOD bless u man!!

# Nov 4, 2008 @ 11:57 PM ET | IP Logged

12. Brok writes:

This is the saddest thing I've heard all day, besides Obama getting elected. My love goes out to you, your family, and your band Chi. Hang in there man.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 12:44 AM ET | IP Logged

13. jimmy j writes:

Sorry to hear this news. may God be with you Chi hope ya pull through.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 12:50 AM ET | IP Logged

14. Crystal* writes:

My prayers are with him , family and the band! I am so shock.. I am a big deftones and sadden by this,God bless and hope you pull through!
xo -crys

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 10:49 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

15. That_One_Guy writes:

Get better man, I'm pulling for ya.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 10:58 AM ET | IP Logged

16. bully writes:

sucks....shoulda been fag axl rose

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 11:25 AM ET | IP Logged

17. rob writes:

i've been a fan for years! this is devistating!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 11:55 AM ET | IP Logged

18. ossified writes:

that sucks.... hope hes fine and make poems and not albums for deftones... \m/

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 3:05 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

19. Blindgreed1 writes:

SUCK!!! These guys are a huge influence, especially the older stuff. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. \m/\m/!!!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 3:48 PM ET | IP Logged

20. stargazrgug writes:

I love the Deftones!! Get well soon, Chi!!!!!!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:15 PM ET | IP Logged

21. t h e o writes:

hugs

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:16 PM ET | IP Logged

22. -mrs.madrox* writes:

damn. he's absolutely in my thoughts & i'm hoping beyond all hope he'll get well SOON!
<3

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:18 PM ET | IP Logged

23. Becky writes:

Wow thats crazy. Ive been a Deftones fan for years! this is terrible. Hope he pulls through alright =[

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:21 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer, Photographer

24. Tragik writes:

Many blessings to Chi and his family and to his bandmates. I hope everything turns out ok!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:23 PM ET | IP Logged

25. covey writes:

SOULFLY!!!! hope all ends well guys.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:24 PM ET | IP Logged

26. DENNY writes:

MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU !!!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:29 PM ET | IP Logged

27. engine number 9 writes:

deftones rock. you'll pull threw brother, i know you will. keep it metal.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:35 PM ET | IP Logged

28. Steph Infection writes:

I am sending all of my love to his family and him !!!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:36 PM ET | IP Logged

29. reckED writes:

that f***ing sucksss badd
i really hope he gets through alright (fingers crossed!!)

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:38 PM ET | IP Logged

30. Greider writes:

Hope everything turns out ok...

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:47 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

31. Blindgreed1 writes:

I just heard that he was on his way back from his brother's memorial service when the wreck occurred. Irony.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:49 PM ET | IP Logged

32. hillbilly writes:

my thoughts are with him and his family..

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:52 PM ET | IP Logged

33. It doesn't fucking matter. writes:

The Deftones are the f***ing sh**.
They pwn all you noobs.
My best wishes go to Chi.
I can't believe this...

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 4:53 PM ET | IP Logged

34. Jesse M writes:

We wish for the best, he will be in our prayers tonight.
The McAteer family

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 5:05 PM ET | IP Logged

35. Jenn writes:

Sorry to hear the news, i hope he pulls through this. Right now its important that family and friends stick together and pray for his well being. Take care <3

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 5:07 PM ET | IP Logged

36. LaRee writes:

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Chi. My thoughts are with Deftones and their familiy tonight!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 6:14 PM ET | IP Logged

37. RxQueen666 writes:

sending my thoughts & prayers!

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 6:53 PM ET | IP Logged

38. When Darkness Falls00 writes:

All heart and support for the injured. Pull through buddy

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 7:00 PM ET | IP Logged

39. Sara writes:

I've been with Deftones since day 1. This is devastating. Please come out of this, Chi. I'm praying for you.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 7:01 PM ET | IP Logged

40. Jessica Briggs writes:

I'm very sorry to hear this and my hope wishes and prayers go out to you reguardless of beleif. What could it hurt right? Hang in there and I will definitly be thinking of you all and have my fingers crossed. It would be a shame to miss out and have a world less of someone so talented.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 7:16 PM ET | IP Logged

41. myspace.com/toxic_lucidity writes:

Hey you
Big Star
Call me when its over!

Best wishes Chi.

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 8:00 PM ET | IP Logged

42. ashley van dyke writes:

deftones is my fave band...all my prayers go out to you...

# Nov 5, 2008 @ 9:57 PM ET | IP Logged

43. Spazz [ Natalie] writes:

Im so sorry and i hope he gets out of the coma. i hope he gets better. dont give up on him or your selfs on this ok.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 12:49 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

44. StabbingTheDrama writes:

I really hope he makes it out okay! I'm not a fan of the Deftones but that doesn't matter in this situation. This is devastating no matter who it is. My thoughts go to him and his family.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 3:39 AM ET | IP Logged

45. DM725 writes:

Regardless of whether or not your a fan of their music everybody should be keeping this guy in their thoughts. Deftones was a solid band in the late 90's early 2000's.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 7:24 AM ET | IP Logged

46. nekro writes:

wow i really hope he comes out ok.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 7:53 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

47. Red writes:

Please live man, I will pray for you and your family...

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 10:50 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

48. KanadianKoRn writes:

Hope you get better soon man! This is a tragedy and i am deeply saddened by this:(

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 11:37 AM ET | IP Logged

49. Mo'nyk writes:

Chi get better!!!! come back to us and give us some more of your talent!!! we all love you here in San Antonio
xoxoxoxo
Mo'nyk

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 12:12 PM ET | IP Logged

50. 88 writes:

Our prayers are with you Chi, pull through man!!

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 1:36 PM ET | IP Logged

51. PoRn0 KrEep writes:

Wether Eros gets finished or not, that really isn't a priority now, What matters is that Chi Survives and is able to continue doing what he loves and is there for the one's that love him most! God be with u Chi! God be with your friends and family in these hard times! But Your not done here yet!!

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 2:02 PM ET | IP Logged

52. Jill writes:

Get better soon man!! This world still needs you!

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 3:41 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

53. Farah writes:

Get well soon Chi! Our thoughts are with you and all of your family and friends

Canadian support from Exclaim! magazine just found.. http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=127&csid2=844&fid1=34704

cheers

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 4:25 PM ET | IP Logged

54. bongnatas writes:

fuk...hope all is well brother...I'm sending mad energy your way

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 4:44 PM ET | IP Logged

55. Jim Morrison writes:

i wish Chi, his family, and the Deftones the strength they'll all need to pull through.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 5:21 PM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

56. RememberMetal? writes:

What is it with this band and cars?

The band exists because guitarsit Carpenter was struck by a car (not his fault) and recieved a modest settlement.

Chi Cheng was walking/biking/jogging (don't remember) during the sessions for one of the two more recent albums and was hit by a car too...he's a damn auto-magent.

Hope he comes out of it okay...One of the few nu-metal generation bands that I like.

# Nov 6, 2008 @ 6:51 PM ET | IP Logged

57. reyna writes:

what horrible news. chi and his family along with the rest of the group are in my thoughts and prayers. the deftones are the best, i really hope he comes out of this ok. :(

# Nov 7, 2008 @ 5:40 PM ET | IP Logged

58. Nate666 writes:

How ironic. I always thought Deftones were totally in a coma as a band. I guess they can now title the next album "Comatones"

# Nov 8, 2008 @ 7:13 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

59. TrixieSin writes:

thats an a$$hole thing to to say, i hope your family gets gutted, and chi makes a full recovery and laughs in your face at their funeral!!HA thats a b**** outta hell, take a run at her boy

# Nov 8, 2008 @ 1:42 PM ET | IP Logged

60. Remainpossitive writes:

to any other future people that may leave a comment. Pay no further attention to the negative comment offered by the numb hearted person above. If he/she had enough sence and a heart then that person wouldn't say such a horrible thing. It's not funny to fans and even to those that aren't actually fans. Any respectable individual would be offended by such an insensitive remark. Chi thanks for your music, poetry, humor, and your passionate dedication to supporting those less fortunate. get well for your friends and family and fans. Everyone keep hope alive.

# Nov 8, 2008 @ 4:59 PM ET | IP Logged

61. Kali writes:

Nate666's comment was not that bad people. It's not as though he said he wishes Chi dies. Some people need to find houmor in tragity or stress to get through. Perhaps he will come back and clearify?

# Nov 8, 2008 @ 5:33 PM ET | IP Logged

62. Reggieqh writes:

My Thoughts and prayers are with Chi and his family, get well soon... & let's send a positive Vibe his way, ignore anything that isn't positive!

# Nov 8, 2008 @ 5:59 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

63. bbristowe writes:

58. Nate666 writes:

How ironic. I always thought Deftones were totally in a coma as a band. I guess they can now title the next album "Comatones"

OMG i can't believe what you said...oh wait. Yeah I can.

WELCOME TO THE INTERNET

# Nov 11, 2008 @ 5:20 AM ET | IP Logged

64. Zontar The Munificent writes:

At least now he'll lose some weight.

# Nov 11, 2008 @ 12:27 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

65. bbristowe writes:

HAHAHAH. That's terrible.

# Nov 11, 2008 @ 2:41 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

66. TrixieSin writes:

RP: #1, don't open your mouth if you can't spell, since it's much easier to convince people of your "sence" if you can spell the word. #2 yes, numb cold hearted, step away from the disaster area or buy a helmet. #3 its the f***ing internet, if you don't like the comment, scroll faster.

# Nov 11, 2008 @ 2:56 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

67. muttley writes:

dude our thoughts are with you pull through this we need your music

# Nov 11, 2008 @ 7:18 PM ET | IP Logged

68. Jamez writes:

It's the net, man. People can say whatever they want. That's the beauty of it (okay, Not necessarily in this case, but... u know what I mean) Get well soon Chi!

# Nov 12, 2008 @ 4:28 AM ET | IP Logged

69. dmasa writes:

that sucks

# Nov 13, 2008 @ 8:51 PM ET | IP Logged

70. strong writes:

stay strong Chi, you'll be back here in the UK, Live & Alive before we know it. sh**, i knew i should have stopped you to say hi man.

-Forever Stronger Than All-

Pull through bro x

# Nov 21, 2008 @ 8:56 PM ET | IP Logged

71. dre writes:

Chi, you will make it through my brother, just hang in there ! We are all eagerly anticipating your awakening..!!! PEACE DRE..!

# Nov 24, 2008 @ 7:08 AM ET | IP Logged

72. max cavalera writes:

plz do help pray for chi fast recovery guys... plz

# Nov 24, 2008 @ 8:36 AM ET | IP Logged

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