The Deftones are left with a ''hole in their lives'' following the death of bassist CHI CHENG.

The musician passed away in hospital on Saturday (13.04.13) after being in a ''partially conscious state'' since sustaining serious injuries from a car crash in 2008 and his bandmates - Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, Sergio Vega and Frank Delgado - have vowed to pass on as much ''love'' as they can in memory of the rocker.

A statement by guitarist Stephen reads: ''There are so many things i can say, and yet at this moment, none of it matters or compares to the loss everyone feels. There will be a hole in our lives where Chi once was.

''But that will be filled everyday with all of our love and memories we all have in our heart. He will always be here because of the love.

''It's time we give all our love and best, and do our best to love. Especially ourselves, Chi would want that for everyone. All our healing will begin with love. I love you Chi.''

Other musicians have paid tribute to Chi, who was just 42 when he passed away.

My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way wrote on his Twitter: ''@deftones So incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Chi's passing. My thoughts are with his family, and all of you. (sic)''

Paramore singer Hayley Williams also showed her respect, posting: ''Rest In Peace :( this makes me so sad. (sic)''