Reba McEntire, the beloved country superstar, understands the pain of sorrow and loss. In 1991, tragedy struck when she lost seven members of her band and her tour manager in a devastating aircraft crash during a concert.
It was on March 16, 1991, when Reba and her band performed at a private event in San Diego. Two planes were waiting at the Brown Field Municipal Airport to transport the band members to their next gig in Fort Wayne, Ind.
The band members and tour manager boarded the first plane, leaving Reba, her then-husband and manager Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika behind in San Diego for the night.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, Reba shared the tragic events that unfolded. The second plane took off and safely reached its destination, but the first plane crashed just 10 miles east of the airport, taking the lives of everyone on board.
Recounting the moment she received the devastating news, Reba said, “When we were notified, Narvel went to our pilot and told him what had happened.” She continued, “When Narvel returned to the hotel room where I was, he said one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ He replied, ‘I don’t think so.’”
The details of the catastrophe haunted Reba and Narvel, leaving them anxious for more information. “Narvel was going room to room with a phone, ringing…” Reba paused, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m sorry – it’s been 20 years, but I don’t think it ever stops hurting,” she added. “But, I can see that chamber. Narvel is pacing back and forth.”
During this difficult time, friends such as Vince Gill and Dolly Parton offered their bands to help Reba finish the tour, but she declined. Instead, her next album, “For My Broken Heart,” was dedicated to the band members she had lost. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and went on to sell four million copies.
Even after all these years, Reba continues to honor the memory of those who passed away in the tragedy. On the anniversary of the crash, she regularly pays tribute to them. In 2014, she used Instagram to share her heartfelt emotions and commemorate the anniversary. Then, on the 25th anniversary in 2016, she made a memorable trip to San Diego, sharing it with her fans on social media.
Reba wrote, “Today marks the 25th anniversary of the plane accident.” She continued, “Last year, in November, I returned to San Diego and took a helicopter to the accident site. I have a feeling they realize how much we miss them. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to all the families and friends.”
Even though the pain never truly fades, Reba McEntire finds solace in remembering her band members and honoring their memory.
