Korn frontman Jonathan Davis says he wants the death of his wife to “inspire change” in dealings with those who suffer mental illness. Deven Davis died last week, aged 39, in circumstances thought to be connected with her health issues. Previous reports had said she was suffering from drug addiction and had become estranged from her husband and children.

“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,” Davis said in a statement. “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.”

He added that he’d “tried to hide what was going on for so long in order to protect her,” but that it was time to tell the truth. “She is the reason I have advocated so hard for those struggling with their mental health,” he continued. “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 realize themselves that they need help? She wasn't well enough to realize 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.”

Turning to the subject of the loss he and his family were feeling, and the comfort he took in knowing she had “found freedom from her illness,” he wrote directly to Deven: “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.”

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