Travis Barker and DJ AM are expected to make full recoveries from injuries sustained in a plane crash.
The former Blink 182 drummer and the DJ – real name Adam Goldstein – have
been in a critical condition with second and third degree burns after their
jet crashed on take off in Columbia, South Carolina, killing the four other passengers on board.
Medics believe the two musicians will eventually recover from their
injuries.
Dr. Fred Mullins of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors' Hospital in
Augusta said: “Since both Barker and Goldstein are in overall good health
and didn't suffer from any other crash-related complications, a full
recovery is expected.
“Recovery could take up to a year, but I would expect it would be much
sooner than that."
The doctor refused to discuss the musicians’ emotional states, but added:
“Around 45 per cent of all patients have some emotional trouble."
The doctor said Travis suffered burns to his torso and lower body, while DJ
AM was burned on his arms and head. Both are in the intensive-care unit of
the hospital and are reported as being critical but stable.
Nicole Richie – who was previously engaged to DJ AM - is said to be “in
shock” following the crash, while her fiancé Joel Madden is also distraught
by the news.
A source said: "She wishes only the best for Adam and hopes he recovers from
this. She's horribly upset about the people who died. Joel knows Travis and
also feels terrible and hopes they recover. This is terrible news for both
of them."
Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson are among the stars who have spoken out
about the tragedy.
Posting on her MySpace blog, Lindsay wrote: “Please send your prayers out to
Adam Goldstien and Travis Barker - along with the others lost in the plane
crash. It's so scary to think that life can end so fast. We must all
treasure each and every moment, and be thankful for what we have.”
Samantha – a friend of DJ AM – wrote on her own MySpace page: “My good
friend Adam was in a plane crash, he was lucky to survive but is still in
the hospital being treated for burns. I don't really know what to say, it's
such horrifying news, but I was hoping you guys would please send him your
best wishes/prayers because I don't really know what else to do.
“Also for Travis Barker, who was on the plane. Four other people were on the
plane and did not survive. I can't even imagine the pain their families must
be in.”
The crash occurred after the two men had played a free concert under the
name of TRVSDJ-AM in Columbia.
Pilot Sarah Lemmon, 31, co-pilot James Bland, 52, Travis’ assistant Chris
Baker, 29, and his security guard Charles Sill, 25, all lost their lives. No
one else was on board the jet.