A shocking plane crash involving Mötley Crüe's lead singer Vince Neil made headlines on Monday, February 11, 2025, when his Learjet 35A collided with another aircraft at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, Arizona, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
According to reports, Neil's private jet, which was attempting to land, veered off the runway and struck a parked Gulfstream G200 owned by actor Vince Vaughn. The incident unfolded shortly before 3 p.m. and, fortunately, Neil was not on board during this tragic event. His longtime girlfriend Rain Hannah and her friend Ashley were among the passengers and sustained injuries, with Hannah suffering five broken ribs.
The crash's aftermath was immediate and devastating, as the pilot of Neil's jet was tragically killed. The co-pilot and other passengers, including Hannah and Ashley, were quickly transported to local hospitals for treatment. Postings on social media from Mötley Crüe expressed condolences and support for the families affected, noting, "The pilot was tragically killed; the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to local hospitals. Vince was not on the plane." This message has since been taken down.
Neil's representative, Warrick Robinson IV, provided additional insights, explaining, "For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway causing it to collide with another parked plane." He urged for patience as the investigation continues to unravel the full details surrounding this unfortunate occurrence.
Eyewitnesses reported witnessing Neil's aircraft struggle down the runway prior to the crash, with video footage capturing the jet speeding and then abruptly colliding with Vaughn's plane. Jet Pros Director of Operations, Gus Toulatos, confirmed there were no injuries on the Gulfstream but acknowledged external damages were sustained. He stated, "There were no injuries on board the Gulfstream, but external damages were sustained to the aircraft." They are fully cooperating with the relevant aviation authorities as investigations proceed.
Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio shared his sentiments about the situation, marking the community's collective grief: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody involved in this." Meanwhile, multiple organizations, including Mötley Crüe's management team, have stepped up to provide assistance and brainstorm ways to support the affected families.
The crash has raised alarms, as it follows other recent aviation incidents across the U.S. Concerns over aviation safety have come under scrutiny, with this being one of several crashes reported recently. Just prior to this event, there was another heart-wrenching incident where six individuals tragically lost their lives when a medical transport plane crashed near Philadelphia.
While the investigation remains active, initial reports suggest the potential failure of the left main gear during landing could be linked to the crash. The Sky Harbor International Airport and Federal Aviation Administration are working together, reviewing data and evidence to establish the cause behind this devastating mishap.
Vince Neil, after the crash, shared his thoughts on social media, expressing unequivocal gratitude for first responders and medical teams who arrived quickly on the scene. He declared, "Mr. Neil's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critically aid of all first responders assisting today." This sentiment reflects not only Neil's appreciation for those who risked their lives during the incident but also sheds light on the human aspect of tragedy where lives hang by the thinnest of threads.
Experts predict it may take considerable time for comprehensive findings from the investigations to surface. The affected families and the community at large are left waiting for answers to questions arising from this distressing event. Neil and his bandmates pledged to lend support to the families affected by the fatal incident, displaying their commitment to solidarity during these challenging times.
Overall, the tragic collision serves as yet another reminder of the risks pervasive within aviation travel. Every day, countless people take to the skies; meanwhile, the families of victims and survivors navigate the deep scars left by sudden, unforeseen incidents. Without losing sight of safety, inquiries and responses from the community will guide the discussions moving forward.
Even though Neil was not physically present, his emotional turmoil and the impact of this catastrophe will surely carry forth as both he and Vaughn address the repercussions arising from this incident. The runway remains closed as investigators examine the scene, with Neil's thoughts and prayers firmly with those who lost their lives and those struggling for recovery.