Thirsty Merc's stage manager has been killed to a car crash and the drummer of the band is currently in critical condition.
The tragic news was confirmed by the band through Facebook. They wrote, "With the heaviest of hearts, we share this utterly tragic news. While in transit to our show yesterday, our Stage Manager, Shane, and Touring Drummer, Mick, were involved in an horrific car accident which killed Shane and seriously injured Mick."
The accident took place in western Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. Skelton was flown to The Alfred hospital right away, he is still in critical condition.
Cooper was driving the van when it collided with another vehicle. Skelton was the only passenger at that time. While the other band members were travelling with another car.
Thirsty Merc's future are still uncertain, they said that there is no decision as of the moment.
"No further decisions have been made and we will let everyone know about future shows as soon as we can. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Shane and Mick's Families [sic] in this time," the band wrote.
The male driver of the other car was taken to the Ballarat Hospital, he reportedly sustained minor injuries.
The band are supposed to hit the stage at The Loft in Warrnambool when the accident occurred. They cancelled the gig after the accident along with their Wednesday gig at Geelong's Barwon Club Hotel .
Lead singer Rai Thistlethwayte, bass player Phil Stack and guitarist Matt Smith are all in Melbourne to stay beside Mick as he is still in ICU.
Thirsty Merc are touring Australia for their new album, Shifting Gears, before the accident happened.
After the band posted to social media about the incident, many fans wished for the recovery of Skelton as well as offered their sincere condolences to Cooper, according to The Age.
