Gary Rossington, the lead guitarist and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, survived the plane crash that took place on October 20, 1977, that killed four of his bandmates, including frontman Ronnie Van Zant.
The crash occurred while the band was on tour and travelling from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The plane ran out of fuel and crashed in a heavily wooded area, near Gillsburg, Mississippi, United States killing six people, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
Rossington was one of 20 passengers on the plane, and he suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm, leg, wrist, pelvis and ribs. He was airlifted to a hospital in nearby McComb, Mississippi, where he underwent surgery and received treatment for his injuries.
The tragedy abruptly halted Lynyrd Skynyrd’s career until Van Zant’s brother Johnny reformed the band ten years later.
Despite the tragedy and loss of several band members, Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to make music and tour, with Rossington remaining an integral part of the band’s sound and success. Until his death in 2023, Rossington still played with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
