Rock Star Survives Horror Crash: REO Speedwagon's Terry Luttrell Walks Away Thanks to Airbags!
ROCK 'N' ROLL REDEMPTION: Terry Luttrell's Terrifying Car Crash and Miraculous Escape
In a shocking turn of events, REO Speedwagon alum Terry Luttrell, 78, has cheated death in a terrifying car rollover crash that left him shaken but grateful. The legendary rocker was behind the wheel when he dozed off at the wheel, sending his BMW careening into a ditch on Interstate 57 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
As exclusive details emerge, it's clear that Luttrell is counting his blessings after a harrowing ordeal that left him with a cracked sternum and a newfound appreciation for life. In an interview with The Scholarly Note.com, drummer Michael Mesey, who performs with Luttrell in the REO Classics Band, revealed that his bandmate is undergoing physical therapy to recover from the incident.
According to Mesey, Luttrell's crash occurred after a long night of performing and partying. "He had played a show at the State Farm Center and then an afterparty, where he signed autographs until 2 AM," Mesey explained. "He got back on the road around 4:30 AM, but it seems he nodded off behind the wheel."
Miraculously, Luttrell's airbag deployed during the crash, cushioning his fall and likely saving his life. As he came to, surrounded by the mangled wreckage of his car, Luttrell described the moment as "surreal." He was taken to the hospital, where he remains for several more days undergoing rehab.
The accident has left Luttrell shaken but grateful. "I was blessed to have walked away from this accident," he told The Scholarly Note.com in a phone call from his hospital bed. "God and those airbags are what saved my life."
Luttrell's bandmates, including Mesey, have rallied around him with messages of support and well-wishes. The REO Classics Band, which features Luttrell on keyboards, has been keeping fans entertained with a repertoire of classic hits from the REO Speedwagon catalog.
As for Luttrell's future plans, he remains committed to getting back behind the wheel – literally. "I'm looking forward to getting back to performing all the REO Classics," he said. "It's what I love, and I'm grateful to have this second chance."
A LEGACY THAT ENDS IN A FLASH
REO Speedwagon, one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s and '80s, announced in September that they would be calling it quits after 57 years together. The decision came as a shock to fans worldwide, who have grown up with the band's hits like "Keep On Lovin' You," "Take It on the Run," and "Can't Fight This Feeling."
The news of Luttrell's accident has sparked renewed interest in the band's legacy, which spans decades. With their eponymous debut album released in 1971, REO Speedwagon went on to become one of the most successful bands of the '70s and '80s, with hits like "Hi Infidelity" and "Wheels Are Turnin'."
