Terry Luttrell, the original voice behind REO Speedwagon’s first album, is recovering after a scary car crash just hours after taking the stage for the band’s farewell concert in Champaign, Illinois. The 78-year-old rock veteran was driving alone when he dozed off behind the wheel, causing his car to flip on Interstate 57 early Sunday morning.
A Night to Remember Ends in Disaster
Luttrell had been celebrating a major milestone. The band’s final concert brought fans from all over to the State Farm Center, where the night was filled with memories, music, and emotion. After the show, Luttrell stayed late—signing autographs, chatting with longtime fans, and soaking up every moment of the bittersweet occasion.
He didn’t leave the venue until nearly 5 a.m. With just a short break, he hit the road for St. Louis, where he had a business commitment later that day. Somewhere along the way, exhaustion caught up to him.
“I Nodded Off, and That Was It”
Around 30 miles south of Champaign, Luttrell drifted off while driving. The car veered off the road and rolled over. The impact was severe, but thanks to his airbag deploying, he escaped without life-threatening injuries.
“I nodded off, and that was it,” Luttrell later told family members. He suffered a cracked sternum from the airbag’s force and also experienced some pain in his neck and back. Still, he managed to climb out of the car on his own before paramedics arrived.
Taken to Local Hospital by Emergency Responders
He was rushed to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where he is now recovering. Coincidentally, several hospital staff had attended the farewell show and recognized the veteran rocker. “It was kind of surreal,” one nurse shared. “Just hours before, we saw him rocking out—and now we’re helping him recover.”
Doctors say he’s lucky. The crash could have ended much worse given the circumstances and his age. Luttrell is expected to stay in the hospital for a few more days for observation and physical therapy.
Bandmates and Fans Rally Around Him
News of the crash quickly spread among the REO Speedwagon community. Former bandmates, including frontman Kevin Cronin, sent their love and support online. Drummer Michael Mesey posted on Facebook that Luttrell is “thankful for all the love and prayers” and “blessed” to have walked away from the accident.
Fans have flooded social media with messages, many expressing how much Luttrell’s music has meant to them over the years. “He’s a survivor,” one longtime fan wrote. “Just like his music—he keeps going.”
A Career That Spanned Generations
Terry Luttrell joined REO Speedwagon in 1968 and sang on their debut album before parting ways with the band in 1972. He later fronted the progressive rock band Starcastle and remained active in music, even as REO soared to massive success in the late ’70s and ’80s.
Despite stepping back from touring in recent years, Luttrell returned for the final show—a full-circle moment that celebrated his roots with the band and decades of loyal fans.
Grateful and Looking Ahead
Although bruised and sore, Luttrell remains in good spirits. Those close to him say he’s more concerned about missing upcoming commitments than his injuries. “He’s already asking when he can get back to work,” a family friend joked.
The crash was a wake-up call—but also a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for rock legends. For now, Luttrell is focusing on rest, recovery, and gratitude.
