Chi Cheng Hospitalized: Partially Conscious Deftones Bassist Battling Pneumonia

Days after Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who remains in a partially conscious state following a 2008 car accident, was hospitalized with pneumonia, Metal Insider reports, his mother updated fans yesterday via the fund-raising website OneLoveForChi.com.

"Today when Sal and I went in to see him, he looked better than we had expected," wrote Jeanne Marie Cheng. "He was quite aware of what was going on. He is still on life support and not enjoying the tube down his throat."

Cheng was hospitalized on June 14, shortly after returning home to California following a series of treatments in New Jersey. Earlier this year, Cheng's family posted video of the bassist moving his legs on command, fueling hopes he might recover from his injuries.

"He is quite intensely listening to what I say and responds in different small but deliberate ways," Jeanne Marie added, explaining that doctors hope to ease Cheng off of his breathing machine soon. "He knows that we are waiting for him."

"Thank you all again for the prayers and support!" she added. "He wanted so much to be home and you all brought him home to California and to his family. We are so grateful! Please keep him lifted in prayer. Blessings to you all family!"