The Grammy-winning folk-rock duo Indigo Girls canceled their concert in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after the tragic death of their longtime tour bus driver in a highway collision on Interstate 20.
Band members Amy Ray and Emily Saliers shared the heartbreaking news in an October 9 social media post. They stated they were “devastated by the sudden loss of our beloved bus driver, Kirk, in a fatal collision early this morning.” According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol and local reports from WLTX News19, the crash occurred at approximately 6 a.m. in Richland County near the Fairfield Road exit.
Investigators stated that the 2007 Prevost motor coach struck a disabled, unoccupied 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer that had broken down on the interstate. The driver was the sole occupant and person involved in the vehicle at the time of the incident, which temporarily forced the closure of sections of the highway for several hours. The exact cause of the crash remains under active investigation by state authorities.
Band Remembers “Beloved” Driver and Schedules Reschedulings
In their statement, Ray and Saliers paid tribute to Kirk. They highlighted his essential role in keeping their touring operations running smoothly across the country alongside special guest Linda Perry.
“He was an integral part of our life on the road, who shepherded us safely across thousands of miles, through every season and all kinds of weather. He was a joyful constant in our lives, and we will miss him dearly,” the Indigo Girls wrote.
Out of respect for Kirk’s memory and to manage the heavy grief and logistical hurdles brought on by the tragedy, the group canceled their Myrtle Beach appearance. Their subsequent October 11 performance in Wilmington, North Carolina, was successfully rescheduled. Updates regarding shows in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and Sugar Land, Texas, are slated to be announced at a later date.
The band assured ticket holders that they did not make these decisions lightly. They noted that the tour will pick back up “as soon as we are ready and able.” They concluded their message by asking fans to send prayers and love to the driver who helped bring their signature music to stages night after night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Indigo Girls cancel their concert?
The duo canceled their Myrtle Beach show after their longtime tour bus driver, Kirk, tragically died in a fatal motor vehicle crash in South Carolina.
When and where did the crash happen?
The collision occurred around 6 a.m. on October 9 on Interstate 20 in Richland County, South Carolina, near the Fairfield Road exit.
Were any members of the Indigo Girls injured in the accident?
No. According to the band’s official statement, no members of the Indigo Girls or their production crew were aboard the tour bus at the time of the crash.
What vehicles were involved in the collision?
The crash involved a 2007 Prevost motor coach and an unoccupied 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer that had broken down on the interstate.
How are the Indigo Girls handling their remaining tour dates?
While the Myrtle Beach show was canceled and a Wilmington show was rescheduled, updates for upcoming dates in Florida and Texas are being managed on a case-by-case basis as the band navigates the loss.
