Former REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Luttrell injured in car accident after falling asleep at the wheel

Terry Luttrell, former lead vocalist of REO Speedwagon, was involved in a serious car accident after reportedly falling asleep at the wheel while driving to St. Louis. The incident was first reported by The News-Gazette, with Luttrell confirming he was injured and is currently recovering at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Terry Luttrell suffers injuries in highway rollover accident

“I was able to get up and get out of the car,” Luttrell told the outlet. “The airbag went off and cracked my sternum a little bit.”

He also noted additional physical effects: “I have a little back pain and neck pain. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome.”


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Luttrell explained that the accident occurred after a long night signing autographs for fans, which kept him up until 2 a.m. He reported going to sleep at 4:30 a.m. and hitting the road a few hours later for a business trip to St. Louis.

“I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up, and I was in a cocoon (the airbags),” Luttrell told the publication. He added that the vehicle was “totaled” as a result of the accident.

According to Luttrell, the keyboard player from his REO Classics band was traveling behind him and witnessed the crash. No other injuries or vehicles were reported in connection with the incident.

REO Speedwagon’s former frontman recovering after vehicle totaled

Terry Luttrell fronted REO Speedwagon from 1968 to 1972, following original lead singer Mike Blair. During his tenure with the band, REO Speedwagon began to establish itself in the American rock music scene, laying the groundwork for its later commercial success.

The musician was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital for treatment following the crash. He is currently recuperating from the injuries sustained in the single-vehicle rollover.

There is no official update yet on how long Luttrell will require for full recovery or if any scheduled performances will be impacted.

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No charges have been reported in connection with the accident, and there is no indication that other vehicles were involved.