Country singer Josh Turner breaks his silence on deadly crew bus crash: 'It's a struggle'
Country singer Josh Turner is speaking out for the first time after a tour bus crash killed one of his crew members and left seven others injured last week.
The Nashville native, 41, took to Facebook Tuesday to mourn the fallen member of his road family, David Turner, and to ask fans for their continued prayers and support.
"As I try to write this I don’t know what to say. It’s a struggle to put into words the devastation and grief that our road family is trying to process," he wrote. "We lost a beloved member of our team, David Turner. He was like a brother to so many in this industry and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Please continue to keep David’s family in your prayers."
David was not related to the country singer, his representative, Leigh Parr Malleus, confirmed to Paste BN Wednesday.
Related: Country singer Josh Turner's crew members involved in bus accident that left 1 dead, 7 injured
Turner – who wasn't on the tour bus when it plunged off a cliff in central California after a show on Sept. 18 – said crew members are still recovering from the tragic accident.
"All of our crew suffered significant injuries and many have long roads to recovery," the musician added. "I would ask that you give them privacy during this time."
He concluded his message with a GoFundMe page created by his management company to raise money for those injured, adding, "Many of you have asked where you can support the guys and their families."
He added: "Your prayers have been felt. Please keep praying."
The fatal accident happened in Shandon, California, after Turner performed a concert in nearby Paso Robles.
The bus left the road for unknown reasons then continued along a dirt shoulder before smashing through a fence and plunging off a 50-foot cliff, the California Highway Patrol said. The bus landed upright in a dry riverbed.
Two occupants were ejected from the bus, which was towing an equipment trailer.
Turner and his band were on a different bus, according to a tweet from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Turner rescheduled all of his September shows "for a later date," according to Malleus, his representative.
"Josh Turner and his road family have suffered a devastating loss," Malleus wrote in a statement to Paste BN last week. "Please keep the crew, band and Josh in your thoughts and prayers."
Turner, 41, is known for country and gospel hits, including “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me.” His latest album “I Serve a Savior” was released in 2018.
Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff, the Associated Press
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