Terry Luttrell Survives Serious Highway Accident After Reunion Concert

Former REO Speedwagon singer Terry Luttrell was lucky to survive a serious car accident on Interstate 57 in Illinois after he fell asleep while driving home from a reunion concert. The 78 year old musician crashed his car on Sunday night following the bands special reunion show at State Farm Center in Champaign Illinois.

What Happened During the Illinois Interstate Crash

The accident happened when Luttrell was driving back to his home after performing at the REO Speedwagon reunion concert called Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon A Concert Event Back Where it All Began. The veteran rock singer told local news that he simply nodded off while driving and his car rolled over on the highway.

About Terry Luttrell and His REO Speedwagon History

Luttrell served as the original lead singer for REO Speedwagon from 1968 to 1972 and was the frontman on their first album in 1971. He co wrote all eight songs on the bands self titled debut album. The Illinois based rock band got their start at the University of Illinois in Champaign making this reunion concert even more special for longtime fans.

Details of the Interstate 57 Car Accident

The car accident occurred on Interstate 57 outside Champaign Illinois in the early morning hours of Monday. The experienced musician was driving alone when fatigue overcame him causing him to lose control of his vehicle. The car rolled over completely but Luttrell was protected by multiple airbags that deployed during the crash.

Speaking to the News Gazette newspaper from his hospital bed Luttrell explained what happened during the frightening accident. I nodded off. I rolled the car over and I woke up and I was in a cocoon of airbags. Unfortunately it totaled the car. The singer was grateful to be alive and said he was able to get out of the vehicle on his own.

Hospital Treatment and Injuries Sustained

Medical staff at the local Illinois hospital treated Luttrell for his injuries which included a cracked sternum caused by the airbag deployment. The veteran performer also suffered minor back pain and neck pain but doctors said his injuries were not life threatening. The 78 year old musician spent several days in the hospital for observation and treatment.

Driver Fatigue Was the Main Cause of Accident

The cause of the accident was driver fatigue after an extremely long night following the reunion concert. Luttrell explained that he had been signing autographs for fans until very late at night both at the concert after party and later at his hotel where approximately 40 more fans were waiting. It was just sign sign sign the singer recalled. He estimated that he finally got to bed around 4 30 AM and was back on the road by 7 AM to drive home.

The Special REO Speedwagon Reunion Concert in Champaign

The REO Speedwagon reunion concert on Saturday night brought together many original band members including keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer who performed on the early REO Speedwagon recordings. Other performers included guitarist Steve Scorfina bassist Bruce Hall and singer Mike Murphy. The special event was designed to honor the legacy of the band and pay tribute to deceased members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin.

Current REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin was not able to attend the Illinois reunion show because he was performing with Styx in Bend Oregon that same evening. The reunion concert was organized to give the founding fathers original singers and classic REO lineup a chance to reunite and say a proper goodbye according to bassist Bruce Hall.

Also Read https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/reo-speedwagons-singer-crashes-car-after-falling-asleep-wheel

Terry Luttrell Continues Music Career with REO Classics Band

Terry Luttrell continues to tour with his own tribute group called the REO Classics Band and recently released a limited edition red vinyl album called Live at Shock City Studios. The Illinois born musician has remained active in the music industry despite his age and continues to perform classic REO Speedwagon songs for fans across the country.

Highway Safety Concerns About Drowsy Driving in Illinois

Highway safety experts in Illinois say that drowsy driving is a serious problem especially for older drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that driver fatigue causes thousands of accidents each year. Many crashes involving falling asleep at the wheel happen on interstate highways where drivers become hypnotized by long stretches of road.

The accident serves as a reminder about the dangers of driving while tired especially after late night events. Musicians and other performers often face this challenge when traveling between venues. Police in Illinois recommend that drivers pull over and rest if they feel drowsy rather than risk a serious accident.

Recovery Plans and Fan Support Messages

Luttrell expressed gratitude for surviving the crash and said the experience reminded him how precious life is. The musician plans to continue performing but will be more careful about driving when tired. His car was completely destroyed in the rollover accident but insurance will cover the loss.

Fans of REO Speedwagon and Terry Luttrell have been sending messages of support and well wishes for his recovery. The singer posted updates on social media thanking everyone for their concern and promising to return to performing as soon as possible.

Police Investigation and Accident Report

The Illinois State Police investigated the single vehicle accident and determined that no other factors were involved. The crash report confirmed that driver fatigue was the primary cause of the accident. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene on Interstate 57 and transported Luttrell to the nearest hospital for treatment.

This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the risks of driving while exhausted. Terry Luttrell was fortunate to survive what could have been a fatal accident. His story serves as a warning to other drivers about the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel especially on busy interstate highways in Illinois.

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