The music industry was gripped with concern last night following reports that a private jet linked to Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil had been involved in a fatal crash. The speculation sent shockwaves through fans and media alike, but it has since been confirmed that while the crash did occur at an Arizona airport, Neil himself was not on board.
According to TMZ, two passengers who were on the plane at the time were Neil’s girlfriend, 43-year-old Rain Andreani, and her friend, Ashley. Both survived the accident but suffered injuries, with Andreani reportedly breaking five ribs. The crash tragically claimed the life of one of the pilots, while the co-pilot and other passengers were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Allen Kovac, Mötley Crüe’s manager, reassured fans by confirming that despite the swirling rumors, Neil was safe and had not been on the ill-fated flight. The jet, registered to Chromed in Hollywood with Neil listed as the principal agent, veered off the runway upon landing at Scottsdale Airport and collided with another aircraft, a Gulfstream 200 business jet.
Preliminary reports from airport officials suggest that the crash may have been caused by the failure of the left main landing gear as the Learjet 35A was touching down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily halted flights into the airport and launched an investigation into the accident.
Mötley Crüe released an official statement on X, expressing their condolences and providing updates on those affected. They confirmed that Neil’s girlfriend and her friend suffered non-life-threatening injuries but emphasized their sorrow over the pilot’s death. The band also announced plans to support the family of the deceased pilot, promising further details soon.
Disturbing footage captured by AZ Family shows the harrowing moment when the Learjet skidded along the runway before crashing into the parked Gulfstream 200. The FAA acknowledged that the number of people on board remains unclear but stated that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Private jets like the Learjet 35A, which can cost up to $4.8 million, and the Gulfstream G200, which ranges between $2.85 million and $7.195 million, are often used for high-profile travel. However, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation, even for the most well-maintained aircraft.
The loss of the pilot has cast a shadow over the music and aviation communities, with fans and loved ones mourning the tragedy. Thoughts remain with the family of the deceased, as well as the survivors as they recover from this devastating accident.