Terry Luttrell, the former lead singer of REO Speedwagon, was involved in a car crash after performing at a reunion concert in Illinois. The 78-year-old rocker was reportedly injured after he fell asleep at the wheel while driving from Champaign, causing his vehicle to roll over. According to an interview with the News-Gazette, Luttrell said, "It just happened," detailing the unexpected accident that left him with a broken sternum and other pains.
The venue for the nostalgia-driven performance was the State Farm Center, where Luttrell and other former members of the iconic band gathered for what was billed as a "retrospective concert honoring the legacy of REO Speedwagon." While being hospitalized, Luttrell discovered that some of the nurses who were treating him had attended the concert, a tidbit he shared in the same News-Gazette interview. The event took place just a few months after REO Speedwagon had announced their decision to stop touring in 2025.
Luttrell admitted to the News Gazette that he hadn't slept much prior to the crash, staying up late to sign autographs until the early morning. Despite the accident, he remained optimistic about his recovery, asserting, "It's nothing that can't be overcome."
Following the incident, fellow band members and fans alike have expressed concern and extended well-wishes for a quick recovery. Kevin Cronin, who replaced Luttrell as lead singer of REO Speedwagon, expressed his support on social media, saying, "I just heard about Terry Luttrell's car accident … I wish him the best on a speedy recovery." Drummer Michael Mesey remarked on the accident's severity and Luttrell's luck, noting to the Daily Mail, "He is very blessed to have walked away from this accident, mainly a blessing from God and the airbags in his BMW."
