REO Speedwagon singer involved in car accident after falling asleep at wheel following reunion show
Terry Luttrell, former vocalist of the rock band REO Speedwagon, was involved in a car accident after reuniting with the group over the weekend for a special farewell concert.
The concert took place on June 14th at the State Farm Center in Champaign and celebrated their career following their retirement last year. Luttrell was an early member of the band, serving as their lead vocalist between 1968 and 1972 before departing the outfit.
The show was in memory of the late REO Speedwagon members, Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin, and also raised money for the band’s foundation, which is aiding a cancer research charity.
Other former members to participate in the performance alongside Luttrell include Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, Alan Ghratzer, Steve Scorfina and Mike Murphy.
While the concert was a success, after the performance, Luttrell crashed on Interstate 57 after falling asleep at the wheel. Fortunately, he is healthy and has avoided any serious injuries.
He told the News Gazette: “It just happened. 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.”
Luttrell has suffered a cracked sternum due to injuries from the airbag which led to him staying in hospital for a couple of days, but apart from that, he is relatively unscathed from the potentially fatal incident.
The singer explained: “I was able to get up and get out of the car. I have a little back pain and neck pain. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome.”
The former REO Speedwagon blamed the crash on his lack of sleep. He had signed plentiful autographs after the concert at an after party, and despite not getting to bed until 4:30am, Luttrell was back driving at 7:00am, explaining, “It was just sign-sign-sign.”
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