Tracy Byrd was wrapping up his show at the Brazoria County Fair in Angleton, Texas Saturday night (Oct. 20) when a lighting rig fell from above and crashed onto the stage. According to television station KTRK, who obtained cell phone video of the incident (shown above), the lighting rig fell onto Byrd's keyboard player, Vernon Emshoff. In the video above, the band is seen rushing to lift the rig off of Emshoff.
Emshoff was transported to the hospital. Radio station 97.3 The Dawg reports that he received stitches and was later released.
Brazoria County Fair officials issued a statement to KTRK:
"The incident last night is very unfortunate and we are continuing an investigation as safety is a top priority at the Brazoria County Fair. It is our understanding that the injured band member has received treatment and we pray for a speedy recovery."
Byrd's bass player Kyle Hebert wrote about the incident on Facebook offering prayers for a speedy recovery for his bandmate and adding a warning to all musicians.
"A difference of mere inches was the difference between horrible news and the worst possible news this morning/last night. Prayers and more prayers, thanking God that my road Brother Vernon Emshoff is better, headed home, and participating in our group texts again," Hebert wrote. "To all of my other musician friends out there, double-check that all rigging has been anchored properly, before you get on stage to perform. As freak as this accident was, it could have been prevented. That's the part that makes us all angry."
The cause of the accident is currently unknown.
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