Reba McEntire is no stranger to the profound pain of loss and sorrow. In 1991, the country music legend tragically experienced the devastating effects of grief when a plane crash claimed the lives of seven of her band members and her tour manager. The incident not only affected her career but also left an indelible scar on her personal life.
The tragedy occurred on March 16, 1991, after McEntire and her band performed at a private event in San Diego. Following the performance, two planes were prepared to transport the band members to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they were scheduled for the next show. The departure took place from Brown Field Municipal Airport, where the planes were set for their journey.
As the band members and tour manager boarded their flight, McEntire stayed behind in San Diego, accompanied by her then-manager Narvel Blackstock and her stylist, Sandi Spika. They decided to remain in the city for the evening, unaware of the tragedy that was about to unfold. McEntire later recounted the events in a somber 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she explained the shock and devastation she felt when the news reached her.
The first plane to take off crashed just ten miles east of the airport. Tragically, all aboard perished, including McEntire’s band members and tour manager. The second plane, however, took off without incident, making it to its destination safely. This stark contrast between the two flights added to the emotional weight McEntire felt, knowing that her colleagues and friends had lost their lives while she had been spared.
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