The Ghost Inside bassist recounts tragic bus accident in new statement

The Ghost Inside bassist Jim Riley has shared a new statement recounting the band’s tragic bus accident that took place last November. 

“On November 19th I woke up to a living nightmare,” he writes. “I knew something bad had happened but no clue the extent.” Later he adds, “I was the first person out of the bus and the first to see the scene. The next two hours were a blur.” You can read the statement in full below.

Watch: New video of the Ghost Inside drummer playing for first time since losing leg

Today, May 20, a charity auction is taking place with all proceeds going directly to the Ghost Inside. Blink-182, A Day To Remember, Warped Tour and many others, including AP, have contributed items.

AP is offering two VIP ticket passes to the 2016 APMAs, where the Ghost Inside are nominated for Most Dedicated Fanbase. “I want to thank all the artists who have stepped up to help the Ghost Inside,” says Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. “What happened to them could happen to any of us who spend a good part of our life on the road.”

Read more: The Ghost Inside will play Warped Tour 2017

While all band members and crew were left in stable condition after the accident, two drivers lost their lives. Among the band, drummer Andrew Tkaczyk lost his right leg and guitarist Zach Johnson lost multiple toes.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help TGI and their families during this difficult time. There is also a separate GoFundMe to benefit the family of TGI's deceased bus driver, Greg Hoke. 

 

I went to bed last night knowing today was going to be emotional. On November 19th I woke up to a living nightmare. I knew something bad had happened but no clue the extent. I checked to make sure I wasn't impaled by anything and got myself out that back window. I was the first person out of the bus and the first to see the scene. The next two hours were a blur. Everything was confusion. Fearing for the lives of my best friends and learning of the two drivers' lives lost. One by one the other guys emerged from the wreckage, a couple on their own but most on backboards. I remember feeling lost and helpless. I'm the tour dad; the guy that fixes what breaks and looks after our little family. I was stuck on the sideline while my guys fought for their survival. Even now, I want to heal them. I would trade my body for theirs in a heartbeat. But they are teaching me the true meaning of strength every day. In the face of countless doctors, complications, and a totally unexpected new life, they remain unbroken. To speak to them you wouldn't know what they are growing through. Still joking and smiling, still finding the single rays of sunshine in what could be an overwhelming storm. Some days suck. We have each other. Some days are great. We have each other. But above it all, we have the days and the chance to get through them and see another. This life is an incredible gift and I am fortunate to share it with such warriors. To the rest of The Ten, you inspire me immeasurably. Hey death, get fucked.

A photo posted by Jim Riley (@thejimriley) on May 19, 2016 at 1:39pm PDT