Year Of The Knife were sadly involved in a terrible car accident on June 28 that left vocalist Madi Watkins in critical condition, and the rest of the band with other traumas.
Year Of The Knife guitarist Brandon Watkins has been providing intermittent updates on Madi's condition, and fortunately the latest one is good news! Brandon states that Madi has been slowly coming unconsciousness and is responsive to external stimuli, and will eventually be moved to an acute rehab program.
Read the full statement below and donate to the band's fund for their medical bills here.
"Madi's now at KPC Promise Hospital in SLC. This is a long term acute rehab facility. She'll be here til she's ready for the U of U acute rehab program. Here they work on just about every kind of rehab you can think of, cognitive, speech, physical etc. things are moving really fast. She's been able to communicate to nurses periodically through different hand signs like thumbs up or three fingers out.
"Today she's tracking visually looking at us and looking in my eyes. I swear she's been mouthing B when she looks my way. She's also in an agitated state from all the pain and confusion. The doctors say it's just part of waking up. It's hard to see your loved one in pain. But things will only get better, as they have been, from here. The road ahead is a long one but we owe you all a huge thank you for keeping us going."
The following is a description taken from the GoFundMe of what happened to Year Of The Knife.
"Hi, we are raising funds for our friends Madi, Brandon, Andy and Aaron who are band members in Year Of The Knife. Last night, the band was driving from SLC to Colorado Springs when they collided with an 18-wheeler. Andy & Aaron both sustained broken legs and other trauma. Brandon is concussed. Madi is in critical condition with head and spinal injuries and a few broken bones. As we wait for additional information on their conditions, we are doing the best we can to alleviate any stress possible.
"As you can assume, their touring van is totaled. The van also doubles as Madi and B's sole vehicle so this will impact them in more ways than just touring. Madi and B also run their brand, Candy Corpse, that will continue to fulfill orders but other aspects may be halted for the foreseeable future. Due to these awful circumstance, we unfortunately have to think of the financial burden this will place on our friends. If you are able to help in any way, we all greatly appreciate it.
"We ask that you please share with your family and friends, and please send the 4 of them all the positive thoughts, energy, prayers, anything. We are so thankful that everyone is alive, but there is a long road ahead of them for recovery. Please consider donating to help with their medical bills and to keep them afoot while they are stuck in SLC. Thank you in advance."
