Aussie band Thirsty Merc mourns death of stage manager in car crash

Australian rock band Thirsty Merc's stage manager has died and their drummer has been seriously injured in a car crash in Victoria.

Thirsty Merc

Thirsty Merc Source: Facebook

Thirsty Merc were en route to play a gig at The Loft in Warrnambool on Tuesday night when the accident happened.

The band's drummer Mick Skelton was seriously injured in the accident and is in intensive care at Alfred Hospital following surgery.

The band members posted a message on Facebook saying they are devastated over the tragedy. 

"The band is absolutely shattered. We have returned to Melbourne to stay near Mick who is in ICU and are rescheduling the rest of this week's shows," the post read.


Fans were quick to post messages of support.

"Rip peace Shane!! Sorry for your loss and to the family much love xox , mick I hope you have a speedy recovery," one fan wrote. 

"Found out this morning about the horrible news.. So many fans devastated at your loss. Wishing Mick a speedy recovery and the thoughts of many are with the entire Merc family. and respective family and friends. RIP," another fan posted. 

Victoria Police would not confirm the identity of the deceased man, but did confirm there had been an accident on the Glenelg Highway at Streatham, in the state's western district, about 2.30pm on Tuesday.

They said the male driver of the van was killed in the accident when it collided with a ute. The driver died at the scene.

Police also confirmed that a male passenger in the van was seriously injured and taken to hospital, while ute driver was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Thirsty Merc frontman Rai Thistlethwayte, bassist Phil Stack and guitarist Matt Smith were travelling in a separate vehicle, according to the News Ltd report.

The band, famous for hits such as In The Summertime - the theme tune to Bondi Rescue - were on an extensive national tour in support of their album Shifting Gears.

A statement on The Loft's Facebook page said that the Thirsty Merc gig on Tuesday was cancelled "due to a serious unforeseen circumstance."

The band's scheduled show at The Barwon Club Hotel in South Geelong on Wednesday night has also been cancelled. 


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Source: AAP


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