"If you know someone with mental illness, have compassion and empathy"

KoRn frontman Jonathan Davis has issued a lengthy statement about his late wife Deven’s battle with mental illness and addiction, following her death last week.

It was announced on Friday August 17 that Deven had died at the age of 39 – reportedly the same day her husband filed a restraining order against her. A statement from Davis’ publicist said Jonathan and his family were “brokenhearted” by the news. The couple have two children together.

Now in a statement on Instagram, Davis has paid tribute to Deven, as well as urging others to have “compassion and empathy” to those suffering with mental health problems.

Read his full statement below:

“Over the last few days, there has been a lot of speculation over what really happened surrounding the death of my wife, Deven, and I want my voice to be heard. Over the past decade, my wife has been very, very sick. She had a very serious mental illness and her addiction was a side effect. I loved her with ALL of my being. When she was her true self, she was an amazing wife, amazing mother and amazing friend. Deven had a huge heart, and she would never intentionally hurt her children or anyone that she loved. She was an incredibly nurturing, giving, loving and hilarious person. She was full of life and joy, and would do anything to share that with those around her.

“I tried to hide what was going on for so long in order to protect her, but because of this tragedy that has happened to my family, I feel that now is the time to share the truth with all of you. She is the reason I have advocated so hard for those struggling with their mental health. I want her story to inspire people to reach out for help, and not to be afraid or hide from their illness.”

“If you know someone with a mental illness, have compassion and empathy, and know that they are not bad people, they are suffering. I want this to inspire change. I want California law to change to help people like me help others get the help they need. How can someone who is sick realise themselves that they need help? She wasn’t well enough to realise how sick she really was, and wasn’t able to get the help for herself that she really needed. ‘This shouldn’t have to happen to other mothers, or anyone for that matter. I’d give anything to have the chance to hold her again.”

“I’d give anything for my kids to have their mother back. I have comfort in knowing that now she has found freedom from her illness, and she is finally at peace.”

“Deven, love you bebe. I’ll never love anyone the way I loved you, and I’ll never get over losing you. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to raise our precious boys the right way, teach them the good values you wanted them to have so badly, and to break the cycle of abuse we both experienced as kids. I’ll do everything I can to make your dreams you that you had for the future come true in your memory.

“The tattoo down your back, the poem I wrote for you when we started dating, said, “Even in death, I’ll be by your side my love”, in German. I swear one day with you by your side when my ride here on earth is over. I love you, Luber.”

Davis had been living in a ‘Sober Home’ on the week of her death. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Paying tribute after her death, KoRn guitarist Munky wrote on Instagram: “Our prayers are with the Davis family at this difficult time. Jonathan, your wife will no longer suffer all of the demons. She is now with God. May she rest in peace and may you trust that me, your band, our families are here for you and will together help you and your boys to heal. We love you so much – The Shaffer family.”