Frank Iero opens up on effects of serious accident on 4th anniversary
Oct. 13, 2020 marks the 4th anniversary of Frank Iero‘s near-fatal traffic accident in Australia.
Now, the My Chemical Romance member is reflecting back on the 2016 incident and how it still impacts his life every day.
Read more: You may hear some Linkin Park influence on BMTH’s new music
On Oct. 13, 2016, Frank Iero and The Patience were parked in front of Sydney’s Twitter headquarters while on tour. Iero, guitarist Evan Nestor, drummer Matt Olsson, manager Paul Clegg and their publicist were unloading gear from their van when a bus collided with the vehicle.
A few months after the accident, Iero revealed that he was dragged under the bottom of the bus. However, a large rucksack he was wearing miraculously saved his life when it hitched onto the bumper.
“I ended up underneath the bumper of this massive vehicle,” Iero said. “From my vantage point, I could only see Evan, and I could hear Paul. I thought whoever I couldn’t see or hear had to be dead, and if they weren’t dead yet, then we all would be soon.”
Read more: Here’s why some are convinced Robert Pattinson’s Batman is an MCR fan
Due to the trauma and extent of their injuries, The Patience canceled their remaining Australian tour dates. Iero, Clegg and Nestor went to a hospital in Sydney. They then returned two weeks later to the U.S. for further treatment.
Frank reflected back on the accident in January 2018 to Alternative Press. He shared that the recovery process – both mentally and physically – has been a long battle with a lot of ups and downs.
“After you endure something like that, you don’t progress in an uphill form; it’s very choppy,” he said. “One day, I’m like [exuberantly], ‘Oh, my God! This is great! I’m fine! I don’t even think about it!’ And the next day feels like the day the accident happened. Your body fucking hurts, and your mind is reeling from it. I go through that a lot. A big part of me had to get back on the road in this defiant stance against what happened to us and take control of our lives again.”
Read more: Tom Holland may not be the only Peter Parker returning for ‘Spider-Man 3’
Now, Iero is further looking back on the 2016 incident on its 4th anniversary. He took to Instagram to share how the accident still continues to impact him today.
“October 13th, I hate today,” he said. “It never gets easier. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the accident or feel the effects of it, but the anniversary is always worse. 4 years later the trauma still continues. There is no closure… only more confusion, frustration, anger, and ache.”
He sends his love to his The Patience bandmates and thanks everyone who has shown them support over the years.
“I love you Evan and Paul,” he continues. “I’m so sorry this ever happened to you and to our families. Thank you to everyone that tried to help us these past few years, your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten… and to those that have and continue to try and do the opposite, there is a special place for you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGTFab9DnbK/
Fans have also come together to send Frank Iero support on the difficult anniversary.
Read more: Apple just revealed the new iPhone 12, and the internet isn’t happy about it
Sending healing vibes to @FrankIero and his family as well as everyone else involved and impacted by the accident 4 years ago. I know our bodies can sometimes heal much quicker than our minds. ??
— ? (@Renegade_Red) October 13, 2020
we love you so much dude. i remember how much a shock the accident was because i had only seen you at the melbourne show the night before and i couldnt comprehend it all, cant even begin imagine how it felt for you even now
— mullet supremacist (@2005esque) October 13, 2020
Read more: There’s a ‘Hocus Pocus’ nod in ‘Halloweentown II’ you probably missed
I was at your last Australian show before the accident. It’s frightening to think about what could have been. In the absence of closure – which I imagine might feel almost impossible given the circumstances – I hope you and yours can find peace, whatever that might look like. ?
— Punk Goes Pod (@punkgoespod) October 13, 2020
we’re all incredibly sorry that you, Evan, and Paul had to go through that traumatic accident. it was a horrible event and you dont deserve the trauma you gained from it. we all love you and are so so proud that you keep pushing. ??
— (spooky) Success! 18 DAYS ⚰?? (@gerardscrateamp) October 13, 2020
In the face of pain, beauty is a stance of strength.
Frank Iero (an artist I love) often refers to his love of things that are beautifully broken. – today is the 4 year anniversary of a Near fatal bus accident.— Voodoo Needles (@testtheworld) October 13, 2020