The family of Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has revealed that he suffered a spinal cord injury and has now left hospital to begin rehabilitation, more than two months after a cardiac incident.
Two-Month Hospitalisation and Recovery Milestone
Paris, 58, was hospitalised in August after a cardiac incident and placed in a medically induced coma. The band had been due to perform with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center when he fell ill and was taken away by emergency responders in a critical condition.
In an update on a GoFundMe page, his loved ones, including wife Kathy Merrick, said he is entering 'phase two' of his recovery after reaching a significant milestone. The fundraiser has raised over $100,000 to help cover medical bills and his 'road to recovery'.
Financial Struggles and Lack of Insurance
The family stated that Paris did not have medical insurance when the emergency occurred, creating a financial situation 'far beyond what we anticipated'. They are pursuing assistance including Medicare and workers' compensation, but what will be covered remains unresolved.
They described the period as a 'frightening chapter' and thanked donors, adding that Paris and his wife have endured 'the hardest period of their lives'. They requested that fans 'stand with them again' and share his story if they cannot donate.
Earlier Updates and Band Career
Earlier, Shelly White, wife of band member Verdine White, shared on Facebook that Paris had briefly woken from his coma and asked, 'Where's Kathy?' before being sedated again due to rising blood pressure and breathing difficulties.
Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as drummer in 2001 and has played on albums including Illumination (2005), Now, Then & Forever (2013), and Holiday (2014). The band's cancelled show with Richie has been rescheduled.
