On Monday (February 10th), a private jet owned by Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil was involved in a fatal accident after the plane’s landing gear failed. The Learjet 35A had landed in Scottsdale, Arizona, but was unable to come to a stop, leaving the plane to collide with another aircraft.
Unfortunately, the incident killed Neil’s longtime pilot and left the three others aboard injured – including his girlfriend Rain Andreani. Those injured were transported to a local hospital, and it has been reported that Rain suffered 5 broken ribs in the crash.
While it was initially thought Neil may have been on the plane, it was later confirmed he was not.
Now, according to an insider, it was Neil’s own birthday party that saved his life.
Lance Graves, a close friend of the musician, has revealed to TMZ that Neil was in Florida celebrating his 64th birthday with friends. His girlfriend, Rain, had to be in Arizona for the Royal Crown barrel racing competition (a horse event) and flew out there with a friend. Since Neil didn’t have to be in Arizona until Thursday, he decided to stay in Florida a bit longer.
Due to her injuries (both physical and emotional), it has been confirmed by Neil’s friend that Rain will no longer be competing in the barrel racing competition.
Mötley Crüe’s manager told TMZ earlier this week that Neil’s heart goes out to the family of the pilot who lost his life, and that the band is brainstorming ways to help.
The pilot was a 78-year-old Marine veteran who had flown with Neil for many years. According to the frontman’s friend, Neil felt a loyalty to hire and support him after he retired from flying with commercial airlines.
In a statement shortly after the incident, Mötley Crüe said: “Earlier today a private plane owned by Vince Neil was involved in a crash near Scottsdale, AZ. The pilot was tragically killed; the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to local hospitals. Vince was not on the plane.”
“Vince’s girlfriend and her friend suffered injuries, albeit not life threatening. While details are still emerging, our hearts go out to both the pilot who lost his life and the passengers who suffered injuries. Motley Crue will announce a way to help support the family of the deceased pilot – stand by for an announcement very soon,” the band added.
