Vince Neal breaks silence as pilot of Motley Crue singer’s private jet dies following fatal airport crash involving girlfriend
Vince Neil has spoken out after a private jet owned by the Mötley Crüe singer crashed at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona yesterday, killing the pilot and leaving multiple people injured, including his girlfriend.
The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 jet at approximately 2:39pm local time.
Neil, 64, was not aboard the Learjet 35A at the time of the incident, his spokesperson confirmed.
His girlfriend Rain Andreani, 43, suffered five broken ribs in the crash, whilst her friend Ashley was also hospitalised with severe injuries.
The identity of the deceased pilot has not yet been released by authorities.
The Scottsdale Fire Department reported that of the five people involved in the incident, two were rushed to local trauma centres in critical condition, one was treated for minor injuries, and another refused medical attention.
Mötley Crüe issued a statement on social media addressing the tragic incident.
“Earlier today, a private plane owned by Vince Neil was involved in a crash near Scottsdale, AZ. The pilot was tragically killed; the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to local hospitals,” the band wrote.
The heavy metal group confirmed they would be taking steps to assist the pilot’s loved ones.
“While details are still emerging, our hearts go out to the families about the pilot who lost his life in the passengers who suffered injuries,” the statement continued.
“Mötley Crüe will announce a way to help support the family of the deceased pilot – stand by for an announcement very soon,” the band added.
The statement also confirmed that whilst Neil was not aboard, his girlfriend and her friend had sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Neil has since spoken out through his legal representatives, Worrick Robinson Law, who provided a detailed statement on the incident.
“At 2:39 p.m. local time, a Learjet aircraft Model 35A owned by Vince Neil was attempting to land at the Scottsdale Airport,” the firm said.
The statement continued: “For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway causing it to collide with another parked plane.”
The law firm confirmed there were two pilots and two passengers aboard Neil’s aircraft.
“Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today,” the statement added.
Neil’s lawyer separately told AZFamily news that the musical artist was deeply concerned for all those affected by the tragedy.
Airport officials provided details about how the crash unfolded.
“A Learjet aircraft on its arrival from Austin veered off the runway and collided with another jet, a Gulfstream 200 aircraft, that was parked,” said Kelli Kuester, airport public information officer.
Initial investigations suggest the left main landing gear failed during touchdown.
The Learjet is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, with Vince Neil listed as the principal agent at a Franklin, Tennessee mailing address.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
David Tennant, 53, brands award ceremonies ‘fabricated nonsense’ – days before hosting Bafta AwardsITV Unforgotten viewers make urgent plea over new series as they complain ‘Not the same’Taylor Swift’s five word reaction ‘unveiled’ as singer awkwardly booed during Super Bowl
The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily paused flights into Scottsdale Airport whilst investigations continue.
The parked Gulfstream G200 that was struck belonged to WW Aviation Inc and had been stationary at the airport since January 31.
A new Learjet 35A typically costs around £3.8 million, whilst Gulfstream G200 business jets range from £2.2 million to £5.7 million.
The Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio confirmed they treated five patients at the scene.
“We had five patients we treated. One was a fatality, we had two immediate that were transported to local trauma centres, we had one delayed patient and one patient that refused treatment,” Folio said.
Multiple pet dogs that were travelling with Andreani and her friend survived the crash unharmed, sources close to the situation confirmed.
Crews were still working to remove the deceased pilot’s body from the aircraft in the hours following the incident.
Footage obtained by local news outlet AZ Family captured the moment the aircraft skidded along the runway before the collision.
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky expressed condolences to those affected and confirmed the city was working closely with airport, police and federal agencies.