Australian rock outfit Thirsty Merc were involved in a fatal car crash while en route to a Victorian concert yesterday. As News Corp reports, the band are mourning the death of a crew member, believed to be the band’s stage manager.

Drummer Mick Skelton was seriously injured in the accident, which occurred at a highway intersection in Streatham at about 2.30pm yesterday. Skelton has been flown to Alfred Hospital where he is in intensive care following surgery.

The driver of the ute involved in the collision is being treated for injuries at Ballarat hospital, while frontman Rai Thistlethwayte, bassist Phil Stack, and guitarist Matt Smith are understood to have been travelling in a separate vehicle.

The band was forced to cancel their scheduled appearance at The Loft in Warrnambool on Tuesday night. There’s been no official statement on the incident from the band and News Corp notes the status of their 41-date Good Life tour remains uncertain.

Nine News reports that the Barwon Club has confirmed tonight’s show has been cancelled and refunds will be issued. The band is currently supporting their new album, Shifting Gears, which they released following a popular crowdfunding campaign.

Stay tuned to Tone Deaf for more details on this story as they emerge.

UPDATE 2.30pm 23/09/15: Thirsty Merc have shared an official statement with fans via Facebook, writing:

“With the heaviest of hearts, we share this utterly tragic news. While in transit to our show yesterday, our Stage Manager, Shane, and Touring Drummer, Mick, were involved in an horrific car accident which killed Shane and seriously injured Mick. 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. No further decisions have been made and we will let everyone know about future shows as soon as we can. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Shane and Mick’s Families in this time.”

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