John Paris, Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer, in Medically Induced Coma
Paris was rushed to the hospital prior to the band's concert with Lionel Richie in San Francisco. Despite a brief period of consciousness, doctors have placed him back into a medically induced coma to stabilize his condition.
The family of Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has announced that he is in a medically induced coma following a medical incident earlier this month. The 58-year-old musician was rushed to the hospital on August 6, just moments before the band was scheduled to perform with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The show was called off minutes before it was set to begin.
"From the very first moment, his wife Katie and daughter Kayla were by his side," the family stated. They shared that Paris briefly regained consciousness, opened his eyes, and asked, "Where is Katie?". After seeing his wife, he turned to a friend who had been sitting by his bedside and joked, "Get me out of here, brother!".
"For a few precious moments, everyone saw the John they know and love. There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope. Unfortunately, this moment was short."
Later, his condition became complicated again as he began to suffer from breathing difficulties. Doctors decided to place him back into a medically induced coma to allow his body to stabilize and receive the best possible care. The statement concluded: "John's journey is far from over. He is surrounded by much hope."
A GoFundMe campaign launched for Paris and his family has raised nearly $70,000 of its $75,000 goal. The band resumed their tour two days after the cancellation, with former member Sonny Emory filling in on drums. The San Francisco concert has been rescheduled for September 26.
In June, a performance by the band with Lionel Richie was also interrupted after Richie felt unwell due to dizziness, forcing the show to end midway.
