Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has died after suffering for five years. The heavy metal band co-founder passed away early Saturday morning. He was 42.

Cheng's death was announced by his mother, Mom J, which is the name she uses to communicate with his fans. She wrote on OneLoveForChi.com:

"Our dearest Family, this is the hardest 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 emegency [sic] room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear."

His mother went on to add that Cheng "fought a good fight," promising that she will update the fans through the website.

Cheng was with his sister Mae in November 2008 in Santa Clara, California when the vehicle that they were driving collided with another car. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and was ejected from the passenger seat of the car. He suffered major injuries and was left in a coma. His sister, meanwhile, only suffered minor injuries as she was wearing her seatbelt.

In 2009, it was reported that he was in a semi-conscious state, an improved condition from being in a coma. He also showed signs of improved neuro function, and more recently showed further improvement.

Cheng was one of the original members of Deftones along with Stephen Carpenter, Chino Moreno, and Abe Cunningham. He released five albums with the band before his accident.

"Rest in peace Chi Cheng," Moreno wrote simply on his Facebook page.