MercyMe Resumes Tour After Fatal Crash
Popular Christian rock band MercyMe resumed their touring schedule Monday evening nearly three days after a car hit into their tour bus, killing two teens and the fetus of the pregnant driver.
Before beginning the concert at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, Wis., seven miles east of Milwaukee, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard addressed the crowd on behalf of the band, expressing their "heartbreak" for the families in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and their desire to pray for the families and for the young lady who still remains hospitalized.
"The crowd joined the band in prayer specifically praying for healing, comfort, peace and understanding," the award-winning band reported Tuesday. "We thank all of you for continuing to pray."
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According to The Associated Press, police in Fort Wayne were told by witnesses that MercyMe's tour bus was going through a green light around 1:15 a.m. Saturday when a car carrying 18-year-old Kara Klinker and her passengers – 19-year-old Dario L. Boutte and 17-year-old Barbara R. Schmucker – made a left turn in front of it.
Fort Wayne police officer Liza Thomas told AP that the two passengers in the car died and that the driver, who was 35-weeks pregnant, was in critical condition after losing her baby.
On Tuesday, MercyMe said they have been in continued communication with the chaplaincy programs at the Ft. Wayne Police Department and Parkview Hospital, where Klinker remains in critical condition. The band said their thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by the situation.
"MercyMe would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and prayers that have been said not only for them, but for the families affected by this tragic accident," the six-man group stated.
The band will next be performing at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis Wednesday before heading over to Cypress, Texas, where they are slated to appear on Aug. 21.
Their appearance in St. Louis, which they skipped Saturday as a result of the accident, has been rescheduled for Sept. 5.
