Earth, Wind & Fire Member Shares Update on Health Emergency
He experienced a medical emergency just before taking the stage.
Chris McKay/Chris McKay/Getty Images
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris is in rehabilitation following the urgent health scare that left him hospitalized for two months.
Paris, a member of the Grammy-winning group since 2001, was hospitalized on Aug. 6 after suffering a medical emergency before a show with longtime band members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson, along with co-headliner Lionel Richie.
On Oct. 8, however, friends of the 58-year-old musician shared a health update in a Facebook group and on a GoFundMe page raising $110,000 to “help ease these unexpected expenses and challenges” for Paris and his family.
Recording artists Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire pose at the 58th GRAMMY Awards on February 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, California.
Steve Granitz/Steve Granitz/WireImage
“This is a milestone we have prayed for, and we couldn’t be happier to share this beautiful send-off from the people who cared for John during his long hospital stay,” the Facebook group’s organizers said of his discharge.
Bandmate Verdine White and his wife, Shelly Clark White, who founded the group Honey Cone, organized the group with close friend Tazz Cole.
John Paris performs with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Acura Stage on day five of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 30, 2010, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Clayton Call/Redferns
It is still unclear what the medical event was, but a statement from San Francisco’s Chase Center at the time cited a cardiac incident.
Paris was placed in a medically induced coma at the hospital, which he woke up from before undergoing two more surgeries.
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris was hospitalized on Aug. 6 after suffering a medical emergency before a show in San Francisco.
Standing for John Paris/Facebook
Fans of the drummer commented their support on a pinned Instagram post on his account.
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“Thinking of you and the family. Get well soon, John,” one person said.
“Sending prayers up for a healthy recovery,” another fan added.
“Praying so hard for you bro!!! Speedy recovery, man cause we still need ya, man!” another person commented.
Fans of the drummer commented their support on an Instagram post.
In the Oct. 8 update on GoFundMe, organizers said the drummer suffered a “spinal cord injury,” and revealed that he did not have medical insurance at the time of the emergency.
“Reaching rehabilitation is a victory. But John still has a long road ahead as he works toward regaining as much independence as possible and ultimately, returning home.”
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris with his wife Kathy Merrick.
Standing for John Paris/Facebook
Organizers said Paris’s wife, Kathy Merrick, who is also a musician, and their daughter, Kyla, have remained by his side during his hospitalization.
“Kathy and John are pursuing every available source of assistance, including Medicare and workers’ compensation, but what ultimately will be covered remains unresolved,” organizers said.
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