Nearly five years after a car accident left him in a coma, 42-year-old Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has passed away. Cheng was a founding member of the Grammy Award winning metal group, but had been rendered only minimally conscious by the 2008 traffic collision in California.

Cheng’s family confirmed his passing at approximately 3am yesterday morning (April 13) with a touching statement that read:

 “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 emergency 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.”

The celebrated bass player, who released five albums with the Deftones since the groups 1998 inception, had reportedly been making progress in his recovery and was occasionally becoming more responsive and aware. In February 2012 it was even reported that Cheng could move his legs on command.

His death has prompted an outburst of admiration and tributes, with Deftones front man Chino Moreno taking to his Facebook page to post "Rest in Peace Chi Cheng."

Cheng’s personal website, Oneloveforchi.com, was run by his fans and family to raise funds for his medical care and is currently down due to the massive increase in traffic it has received.