CHAMPAIGN, Ill., 2025-06-19 09:48:00
REO Speedwagon Singer Injured in Car Crash After farewell Concert
Terry Luttrell, former lead singer of REO speedwagon, was involved in a car accident Sunday morning following the band’s farewell performance in Illinois.
- Terry Luttrell crashed his car after falling asleep at the wheel.
- The accident occured on Interstate 57, about 30 miles south of Champaign, Ill.
- Luttrell was driving to St. Louis for a business trip after attending an afterparty.
Did you hear about Terry Luttrell? The former REO Speedwagon frontman, known for his powerful vocals, was injured in a car accident just hours after a concert. The incident, which happened on Interstate 57, left fans concerned about the singer’s well-being.
Luttrell, who sang with REO Speedwagon on Saturday night at the State Farm Center in their hometown, had a busy night. After the concert, he hit up an afterparty where he signed autographs until 2 a.m. He then went to bed around 4:30 a.m.
A few hours later, he was on his way to St. Louis for a business trip when he fell asleep at the wheel.
Reader question: What’s your favorite REO Speedwagon song and why?
The Accident Details
The crash occurred approximately 30 miles south of Champaign, Ill, on sunday morning. According to Luttrell, the accident happened quickly. “I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up and I was in a cocoon [the airbags],” he told a local newspaper. “Unfortunately, it totaled the car.”
Despite the severity of the crash, Luttrell was able to get out of the car. He told the news outlet on Tuesday that he planned to stay at the hospital for a few days to receive rehab.
Did you know? The State Farm Center, where REO Speedwagon played their farewell concert, is also the home of the university of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team.
Bandmates React
Kevin Cronin, the current lead singer of REO Speedwagon, took to social media to wish Luttrell a speedy recovery, reflecting on the band’s history and their connection.
Michael Mesey, the band’s drummer, shared that Luttrell feels lucky to be alive, expressing gratitude for the support from fans.”He is very blessed to have walked away from this accident, mainly a blessing from God and the airbags in his BMW,” Mesey said.
REO Speedwagon’s History
REO Speedwagon, formed in 1967, saw Luttrell as the lead vocalist on their self-titled debut album in 1971. He later left the band in 1972 and was replaced by Cronin, who went on to sing some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.”
The band stopped touring in 2024 due to “irreconcilable differences.”
Did you know? REO Speedwagon’s farewell tour marked the end of an era, bringing to a close a celebrated chapter in rock music history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Terry Luttrell?
Terry Luttrell was involved in a car accident after falling asleep at the wheel.
When did the accident occur?
The accident occurred on Sunday morning.
Where did the accident take place?
The accident happened on Interstate 57, approximately 30 miles south of Champaign, Ill.
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The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
The unfortunate accident involving Terry Luttrell serves as a stark reminder of the serious dangers of drowsy driving. after a late night of celebration following the REO Speedwagon farewell concert, exhaustion became a factor that led to a perhaps life-threatening situation. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures are crucial for everyone, especially those who travel frequently or work unconventional hours.
Drowsy driving is a notable public safety concern, contributing to thousands of accidents and fatalities each year.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Management (NHTSA), fatigue plays a role in approximately 100,000 crashes annually. These accidents lead to an estimated 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries. The consequences can be devastating, impacting not only the driver but also passengers and other road users.
Falling asleep at the wheel is an obvious risk,but even short periods of sleepiness can impair driving performance. Drowsiness slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces awareness. Driving while tired considerably increases the risk of being involved in a collision.
It’s not just late nights or early mornings that can lead to driving while being fatigued. Insufficient sleep, sleep disorders, working long hours, or the use of certain medications can all contribute to drowsiness. Recognizing the signs of fatigue is vital. these include:
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open or focusing.
- Frequent yawning or blinking.
- drifting from your lane or tailgating.
- Feeling restless and irritable.
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven.
Driving while fatigued is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s essential to prioritize safety and avoid driving when you are sleepy.
Pro Tip: Take regular breaks on long drives. Even a short rest can help refresh you and improve alertness. Pull over to a safe location, stretch your legs, or grab a caffeinated beverage.
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