Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of death. Reader discretion is advised.
On October 20, 1977, a horrifying plane crash on the Louisiana-Mississippi border claimed the lives of six people, including three members of the iconic band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Reports indicate that the passenger plane ran out of fuel at a height of 10,000 feet and started losing elevation. A few moments later, the plane crashed into a wooded area, which resulted in the death of six people. The documentary If I Leave Here Tomorrow explores the band’s legacy and unravels what happened before and after the plane crash. The documentary is available to stream on Apple TV+.
According to WPTV, the passenger plane, Convair CV-240, ran out of fuel mid-flight after taking off from Greenville, South Carolina. Soon, the pilot, along with the co-point, realized that they wouldn’t be able to take the plane to a nearby airport and decided to attempt an emergency landing. However, the plane crashed into the woods near Gillsburg, Mississippi.
Later, several publications reported three members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd died in the plane crash. Per the outlet, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines lost their lives in the crash. Apart from them, the band’s road manager, Dean Kilpatrick, both the pilot and co-pilot also lost their lives. According to WPTV, more than 20 people survived the crash, including five other members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Lynyrd Skynyrd deaths: Who were the plane crash victims?
As mentioned earlier, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, the band’s road manager, and two staffs of the air crew died in the crash. On the other hand, the remaining members of the band endured severe injuries in the crash. According to WPTV, the band’s keyboard player, Billy Powell, suffered deep cuts on his face and almost lost his nose. Moreover, Allen Collins suffered injuries on his neck and right arm.
The other members of the group also suffered injuries in the crash. As a result, Lynyrd Skynyrd didn’t play or release an album for over 10 years. The band got together in 1987 when Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother took the lead singer position in the revamped version of the musical group. Although the band released several albums after the tragic crash, it could never attain the level of popularity it had before the crash.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for legendary songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “Free Bird.” If I Leave Here Tomorrow, the documentary based on the band’s legacy, is currently available to stream on Apple TV+.
