After playing shows for three years across LA and Orange County, OF LIMBO had finally found what was to be their breakout opportunity. Alongside their best friends JOYOUS WOLF and Southern rockers BLACKTOP MOJO, they were scheduled to play 36 dates across the US and Canada over the next two months.
But it wasn’t to be…
On the morning of April 29th, Southern Californian rock group OF LIMBO experienced a catastrophic van accident en route to North Carolina for the opening date of their first national tour. While travelling on the interstate outside of Oklahoma City, one of the back tires popped, spinning the vehicle out of control. The van rolled several times on the highway before breaking through the roadside barrier and falling into a ditch.
Dozens of Oklahoma motorists who saw the accident rushed from their vehicles to offer help, and within minutes, the fire department were on scene. Lead singer Jake Davies had to be cut free from the vehicle that was crushing him. He suffered a badly broken leg which required immediate, emergency surgery to avo
id amputation.
“I was upside down, squeezed and contorted by the twisted metal that used to be our van. The only thing scarier than the sound of the buzz saw right next to my face trying to cut me out was that I didn’t know if my brother had gotten out safe or not.” Jake Davies
Drummer Juan Paz was ejected out of the side window of the van. He was later found 20 feet away with a broken collarbone and concussion. Miraculously, guitarist Luke Davies and bassist Herbie Brady walked away with only minor cuts and bruises. Without a place to go, or anyone to call, and with Jake and Juan being rushed to the hospital, they found themselves confused about what to do next.
“One of the firefighters asked me, “do you have a place to go?” Next thing I knew, his musician mom and her friends were at the scene picking up our gear, giving us food and water. Real-life guardian angels.” – LUKE DAVIES
After the good samaritans had packed up their gear and offered Herbie a place to stay, Luke had to hitchhike his way back to Oklahoma City to try to see his brother before he went into surgery. But of all the possible days, it was the day of the OKC marathon. With all of downtown blocked off, Luke ran three miles in sweltering heat, carrying some of the band’s blood-stained bags until a police officer noticed his distress and offered him a ride. The officer then switched on his sirens and escorted him to St. Anthony’s Hospital where he found Jake just before they put him under for surgery.
Two weeks later, the band were finally back home together, grateful to be alive. It was truly miraculous that they survived. Now they face another obstacle: the medical bills. They have never before asked fans for donations. But now they need help. Please visit their GO FUND ME to get them back to doing what they love.
Vandala Magazine 