Chi Cheng, former bass player for US rock group Deftones, at the age of 42. Cheng had been in a coma since a November 2008 car accident in California and died on Saturday morning, according to a statement posted by his family on oneloveforchi.com.

"This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing", his mother said in the statement. "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 at the 3am today and his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear."

The statement continued: "He fought the good fight. You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone. Please hold Mae and Ming and the siblings and especially Chi's son, Gabriel, in your prayers. It's so hard to let go."

Cheng was left with devastating injuries following a car crash in November 2008. The car in which he was travelling, driven by Cheng's sister, struck another car head on at almost 100km/h. Cheng, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the car. His sister, who was wearing her seatbelt, suffered only minor injuries.

Deftones have yet to make an official statement but frontman Chino Moreno posted simply "RIP Chi Cheng" on this Facebook page.

Deftones have been recording and performing with bass player Sergio Vega and have released two albums, including last year's critically-lauded Koi No Yokan, since Cheng's accident.