The Ghost Inside reflect one year after life-changing accident
A year ago today (Nov. 19), the Ghost Inside were involved in a tragic bus accident.
Members have now posted statements, reflecting on those life-changing 365 days. Read them all below.
Jonathan Vigil:
“It was a year ago today that an accident changed our lives forever. It's been a whole year that we've had to deal with broken bones, amputated limbs, operating tables, hospital beds, psychiatrists and therapy. It's been a long year that we've had to think of ourselves as the fortunate ones who lived, while our driver and the driver of the semi we collided with passed on. That means that it's now been over a year since we played our last show together. And for me, that's been the hardest part of coping with it all. I've (we've) been doing this for so long, that to stop in the way we have doesn't sit right. I feel like I've lost my way. The psyche can want it bad enough but the physical limitations are still very real.
The impact that this has had on not only us, but the people around us is more than I can comprehend. Loved ones, close friends, other bands, people all over the music scene and fans all banded together to show their support in every way they could. From when some of us weren't awake to realize it, to now even a year later.
I've had my ups and my many, many downs throughout this last year. I've battled back and forth a lot with the future. When The Ghost Inside started, we we all lived in LA. Now that we're older, we all live across the entire country. Which means we are able to group chat, but aren't able to see each other in person whenever we want. After something like this, I just need to be closer with the guys but I couldn't. And that's where this comes in.
The Ten of us were able to get together in September and celebrate being alive. It was the first time some of us had seen each other since the night before the accident. I can write things down to try explain the feeling of just being together again, but no words could ever capture what that felt like. Nothing I could say would ever rightfully express what that meant to me. As the saying goes “You don't know what you have till it's gone.” Well in this situation, I didn't know what we had until we were all together again.
After that time together my future isn't filled with doubts, it's been filled with optimism. Instead of my mind just thinking “I can't.” I now believe in “I think we can.” Being together again so many months after is what lead me to that belief. I'm thankful for that time together. I'm thankful for all those guys. I'm thankful to believe again. And lastly, I'm thankful to still have a future.
Alive and well.
– Vigil”
Andrew Tkaczyk:
“A year ago today was the worst day of my life, but it was also the FIRST day of my new life. I look at it all differently now. After we were given a 1up, I see things in a different light. It's important to not sweat the small petty things in life. You need to enjoy what you have. Tell your family and friends how much you love them. Those are the things that REALLY matter. I can't stress enough how true that is. Today I'm not looking back and thinking about what happened and I'm not asking “why me?” Instead I'm smiling and laughing while being thankful that my friends and I got to see another year. Keeping in my thoughts the drivers who unfortunately didn't make it that day. I couldn't even imagine going through something like this without my family, friends and all of YOU by my side. I truly do mean that from the bottom of my heart. The amount of support has been unlike anything I've ever seen before. Especially the support from these guys in this photo. Each and every one of them are my heroes. A bond that will never break. Ladies & gentleman, we are The Ten.”
Zach Johnson:
“It was one year ago today that our lives changed forever. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones today, and I'm so very happy our group made it through. There have been so many ups and downs, but with the support we've received it makes it that much easier to fight on. Love my brothers, and here's to living life. Can't wait to get back on stage and share that with everyone. Thank you for your support. ❤️”
The Ghost Inside's bus driver, Greg Hoke, and the driver of the semi-truck did not survive the crash, which took place while the band were on tour outside of El Paso, Texas. Read the original story here.
In the past year, bands and fans alike have rallied in support of the Ghost Inside during their long recovery. The band were awarded with the Most Dedicated Fanbase Scully at this year's APMAs, which resulted in an emotional acceptance speech from the Ghost Inside themselves. Kevin Lyman announced at this year's Warped Tour broadcast that the Ghost Inside will have a spot on 2017's lineup, and bands such as Stray From The Path, the Amity Affliction, Crystal Lake and more have released songs to honor and support the band.
Watch more: The Ghost Inside talk future plans at this year’s APMAs
