One Dead, 7 Hurt After Tour Bus Carrying Crew Of Country Star Josh Turner Falls Off Cliff
Sep. 19 2019, Published 10:31 p.m. ET
A tour bus carrying members of the road crew for country singer Josh Turner plunged off a cliff in central California, killing one person and injuring seven others.
Turner, 41, best known for country and gospel hits including “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me,” was not on the bus when it crashed late Wednesday night in San Luis Obispo County, following a concert in nearby Paso Robles.
The singer postponed the rest of his September tour dates following the crash, Universal Music Group Nashville said in a statement.
“Josh Turner and his road family have suffered a devastating loss,” the statement said. “Please keep the crew, band and Josh in your thoughts and prayers.”
The cause of the crash off the 50-foot cliff is under investigation, but early reports reveal that two people were ejected from the bus. One of them, David Turner, was declared dead on the scene. His age was not immediately released and it's unclear if he was related to singer Josh Turner.
A total of eight people were reportedly on the bus. At least four were taken to area hospitals.
According to the CHP, the bus somehow left the main road, traveled down a dirt shoulder and smashed through a fence before eventually plunging off the cliff.
Local reports state drugs or alcohol have been ruled out as the cause of the crash.
The bus will be impounded to see if there were any mechanical issues.
Investigators will also be looking into whether the driver, who is believed to be in his 50s, suffered any medical issues that could have caused the crash.