The story of Allen Collins, co-founding guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, is filled with triumph and tragedy. Following the tragic 1977 plane crash that took the lives of several band members, including the iconic Ronnie Van Zant, Collins embarked on a turbulent path of personal and professional struggles.
Despite the hardships, Collins’s resilience and musical spirit shone through, leaving an indelible mark on rock music. This article delves into the highs and lows of Collins’s life, highlighting his efforts to keep the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd alive and his ultimate legacy.
Allen Collins Car Accident
As the pieces fell into place for the Skynyrd reunion, tragedy struck again. In 1986, Collins was involved in a devastating car accident that claimed his girlfriend’s life and left him paralyzed from the waist down. This accident, compounded by his past struggles with addiction, would forever change his life.
Despite being unable to play guitar, Collins served as the musical director for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1987 reunion tour. Displaying tremendous strength and resilience, he rolled himself out on stage before every show, sharing his story with the audience and acknowledging the consequences of his actions. This act served as a testament to his redemption and the power of self-reflection.
Allen Collins Cause of Death
Collins was able to rebuild his life, but his weakened state following the car accident contributed to many health difficulties. He died on January 23, 1990, following a long battle with severe pneumonia. Collins, 37 at his death, was buried close to his wife.
There has been a lot of sad news below concerning the deaths of well-known celebrities. Do you know what caused their deaths?
- Jayne Mansfield’s Tragic Deἀth and Car Accident: Decapitation Rumors
- Chris Printup Founder of BORNXRAISED, Passed Away in a Car Accident
Rock Legend Allen Collins: Rising Above Tragedy
The devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of his bandmates sent shockwaves through Collins’s life. Despite his injuries, he pushed forward, joining forces with fellow Skynyrd veterans to form the Rossington-Collins Band. Their debut album, “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere,” showcased Collins’s remarkable talent and garnered success.
As Collins began rebuilding his music career, he faced another heart-wrenching personal tragedy. The sudden death of his wife due to a miscarriage-related hemorrhage left him shattered. Struggling to cope with grief, Collins spiraled into addiction, which would plague him for years.
Following the dissolution of the Rossington-Collins Band, Collins regrouped and formed the Allen Collins Band. Although faced with numerous challenges, he persevered, driven by the desire to reunite the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The notion of Lynyrd Skynyrd II emerged, with Collins even considering vocalist Paul Rodgers for the band.
Have a look at the tweet we have provided to you below for further details about him-
January 23 1990
He survived the Lynyrd Skynyrd
plane crash Oct. 1977.But he was paralyzed from the waist down in a 1986 DUI car crash that killed
his girlfriend.Allen Collins 37, original Skynyrd gtrst, d. 33 yrs ago today of complications from that horrific car accident. pic.twitter.com/Fp19qJnAE1
— Sean Mcdowell (@dvesean) January 23, 2023
A Legacy of Inspiration
Following his accident, Collins channeled his energy into philanthropy and founded Roll For Rock Wheelchair Events and Benefit Concerts. This organization aimed to raise awareness and provide opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries or related disabilities. Through this noble endeavor, Collins left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
On July 19, 2020, one fan posted a photo of Allen on Instagram with the caption, “Happy 68th birthday to Allen Collins!!”
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion
Allen Collins’s life was a rollercoaster of triumphs and tragedies, punctuated by his unwavering dedication to his music and the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd. From surviving the plane crash to battling personal demons, Collins’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and ultimately, an untimely end. Despite his challenges, Collins’s contributions to rock music and his philanthropic endeavors continue to inspire and leave an enduring legacy.
Keep TheCurrentOnline.com bookmarked and often revisit to check for updates. If you know of anyone who might be interested in reading this, please send it along.
