Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 18, 2025 · Entertainment

REO Speedwagon Legend Terry Luttrell Survives Horror Crash After Midnight Concert

Terry Luttrell of REO Speedwagon is on the mend after surviving a car crash; pictured 1977

ROCKER'S CLOSE CALL: REO SPEEDWAGON'S TERRY LUTTRELL SURVIVES TERRIFYING CAR CRASH

In a heart-stopping incident that left fans and fellow musicians on edge, Terry Luttrell, legendary lead vocalist of REO Speedwagon, narrowly escaped death after a terrifying car crash over the weekend. The 78-year-old rocker, still reeling from the trauma, is currently recovering in a hospital bed.

According to eyewitnesses and official reports, Luttrell's vehicle veered off the road on Interstate 57 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, around Sunday morning. The cause of the accident? A dozing driver who nodded off at the wheel after a long night of performing and partying.

The rocker, 78, rolled his vehicle after he fell asleep at the wheel on Interstate 57 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois on Sunday morning, according to the News-Gazette; pictured 1977

As the news of the crash spread like wildfire, fans were left stunned by the close call. But Luttrell's story is one of resilience, as he recounted his harrowing ordeal to thescholarlynote.com in an exclusive phone interview from his hospital bed.

"It was just a normal night," Luttrell recalled. "We played at the State Farm Center with my band, followed by an autograph-signing session at an afterparty. I left the party around 2 AM and didn't get to bed until 4:30 AM."

Despite feeling a little sleepy, Luttrell believed he was fit to drive just hours later. "I thought I'd be fine," he admitted. "But it just happened – I nodded off, rolled the car over, and woke up surrounded by airbags!"

The airbag deployment caused significant damage to his vehicle, leaving it totaled beyond repair. Luttrell suffered a cracked sternum, as well as minor back and neck pain.

"I was able to get out of the car," he said, still visibly shaken. "The airbag went off and cracked my sternum a little bit. I have some back pain and neck pain – but it's nothing that can't be overcome."

Luttrell is currently undergoing rehab at the hospital and plans to remain there for several more days. Fans are sending their best wishes for his speedy recovery, as the legendary rocker looks forward to getting back on stage and rocking out once again.

Terry Luttrell's brush with death serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in driving while tired. As fans rally around him, REO Speedwagon enthusiasts can take comfort in knowing their beloved frontman is on the mend – but it's also a sobering wake-up call for us all to prioritize our safety and well-being behind the wheel.