Kevin Costner Offers To Help Victims Of Alberta Stage Collapse
Posted August 4, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Kevin Costner has offered to help victims of an Alberta stage collapse that killed one person and injured dozens more.
The actor-musician’s band Modern West were supposed to take the stage at the Big Valley Jamboree when a powerful windstorm swept through and brought the structure down. It happened so quickly organizers didn’t have time to warn the thousands of fans crowded around it.
“We are so sad about the loss of life and injury that occurred on a day that carried so much promise, but turned so wicked so quickly,” the actor said in a statement Monday.
“We hope to return to Alberta in the future to help with the healing.”
Concertgoer Donna Moore, 35, was killed when a speaker fell on her, and two others suffered critical injuries. Dozens more were treated for non-life threatening wounds.
Costner was on the stage when the collapse occurred amid a strong thunderstorm, but he wasn’t injured. Two of his crew members were hurt, however, his publicist confirmed.
Country singer Billy Currington was performing his last song of the day when the stage collapsed, leaving him with a minor concussion. His bassist Alex Stevens was pinned under some debris and was trapped for 30 minutes while crews worked to free him. He underwent surgery on his left arm and was recovering in Nashville.
The stage collapse is being investigated by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.
Costner said if a benefit concert was held for the victims he’d take part.
Kevin Costner performs with his band Modern West prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16, 2009 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images)
