Reba McEntire, the renowned country superstar, has experienced immense sorrow and loss in her life. In 1991, tragedy struck when seven members of her band and her tour manager lost their lives in a devastating aircraft crash during a concert.
On March 16, 1991, Reba and her band performed at a private event in San Diego. As they prepared for their next gig in Fort Wayne, Ind., two planes were ready at Brown Field Municipal Airport to transport the band members. The first plane took off, carrying the band members and tour manager, while Reba, her then-husband, and manager Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika remained in San Diego for the night.
Little did they know that this night would change their lives forever. The second plane arrived at its destination safely, but the first plane crashed just 10 miles east of the airport, claiming the lives of everyone on board. The tragedy struck when the tip of the plane’s wing hit a boulder on the edge of Otay Mountain.
In a heart-wrenching interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, Reba shared her recollection of the horrifying events. Narvel, filled with grief, broke the devastating news to Reba in the early hours of the morning. Upon hearing the news, Reba desperately asked if everyone was okay, to which Narvel could only respond with uncertainty.
The pain and anguish they felt was immeasurable. Narvel went from room to room, calling friends, hoping for any news about the crash. Reba vividly remembers Narvel’s restless pacing as they anxiously awaited more information about the catastrophe.
The support and love Reba received from her friends, including Vince Gill and Dolly Parton, were immeasurable. They offered their bands to help Reba finish the tour, but she kindly declined. Instead, Reba channeled her grief into her music, dedicating her next album, “For My Broken Heart,” to the band members she had lost. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and sold a staggering four million copies.
Each year, on the anniversary of the tragedy, Reba honors the memory of those she lost. In 2014, she took to Instagram to commemorate the crash anniversary. Then, on the 25th anniversary in 2016, she embarked on a memorable trip to San Diego and shared her experience with her devoted fans on social media.
Reba’s heartfelt message read, “Today is 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 believe they know just how much we miss them. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”
The pain of losing loved ones never truly fades, and Reba McEntire’s unwavering strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss continue to inspire us all.
