On July 13, Adrenaline Mob was hit by a truck whilst on the side of Interstate 75 in Florida. The accident ultimately proved fatal for bassist David Z, and left many others in critical condition. Now singer Russell Allen has taken to Facebook to post a brief statement on the accident, asking for prayers for his bandmates and fellow human beings that were involved in the incident.
Yesterday I was involved in an accident that took the life of my dear friend and band mate David Z Rock and left 3 of our crew in critical condition. I'm overwhelmed with sorrow. I am so grateful for the out pouring of love we have received from around the world. Please continue to pray for David's family during this difficult time. And those in critical condition.
I want to personally thank Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick Dumon for his bravery in assisting me pull our Driver Jason from the wreckage and for attending to his wounds. And for helping me to secure and attend to Jane once I was able to get her free from the fire. Without his selfless act of courage I would not have been able to get them clear of the RV before it was engulfed in flames. On behalf of my band and crew I thank you.
As always, we wish David's family peace at this time, and we hope everyone currently in critical condition makes a speedy and safe recovery.
You can read the full report of what happened in the incident below.
[Robert Edwin Haines] declined comment to a reporter. The driver was traveling from Atlanta to Orlando and was hauling cooking oil, troopers said. The side of the truck said Twiss Transport, Inc., Largo.
The FHP was still investigating late Friday night. Troopers believe the RV was traveling southbound on I-75 near Mile Marker 372. The GMC was traveling with the RV and both vehicles stopped on the shoulder. The semi collided with the vehicles that were stopped on the shoulder and the RV caught fire where the passenger died. The RV and the GMC were traveling together. The RV had a flat tire, so both vehicles pulled off the highway. The trailer that was being towed by the van was hauling musical equipment.
Marion County Fire Rescue officials said they arrived at 12:38 p.m. The fire was under control at 12:54 p.m. Firefighters from multiple fire stations throughout the county went to the location. Fire officials said a group of registered nurses from Shands stopped at the scene and provide aid to the victims.
Dressler, one of the people who had been riding in the RV, said he is the sound man for Adrenaline Mob, which was en route from Biloxi, Mississippi, to St. Petersburg, where it was scheduled to perform Friday night at the State Theater. Dressler said he heard a “boom” when the truck hit the RV. He was in a bunk at the time.
The deceased was pronounced dead at 12:42 p.m. Among the injured were band members. A spokesperson for the band declined comment when reached by the Star-Banner on Friday.
