KHAOTIKA, WORMREICH Members Die In Van Crash
April 6th, 2015
Three people were killed when a van carrying members of two heavy metal groups – Atlanta, Georgia-based melodic metal ensemble Khaotika and Huntsville, Alabama-based black metal combination Wormreich – crashed in northeast Georgia. Having finished a show on April 5th, 2015 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the van was travelling to Atlanta for a show scheduled to take place the following evening. The two respective bands were touring alongside Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based black metal concern Kult Ov Azazel.
The accident occurred at roughly 7am EDT on April 6th, 2015 on Interstate 85 south near Highway 98 (exit 147) – near Maysville Road in Jackson County, this is roughly 65 miles northeast of Atlanta.
The cause of the accident has yet to be definitively confirmed, although Georgia State Patrol Cpl. Scott Smith issued the following statement: “The driver lost control, either by going to sleep or some other means. We’re still investigating that. He left the roadway, travelled about 300 feet off the roadway and struck a tree with the passenger side of the van.”
According to troopers, the passenger side was sheared off of the van. It is unsure whether the passengers were wearing seat belts, but it has been verified that the driver wasn’t injured.
Three people were ejected and later died of their injuries. Their names are Nicholas R. Crisostomo (drums, Khaotika), 25, of Round Hill, Virginia, Ian A. McKinney (aka Nazgul Vathran; guitars, Wormreich), 30, of Madison, Tennessee, and Paul J. Truesdell (touring bass player, Wormreich, and guitars for Overwhelmed), 29, of Mableton, Georgia. In total, eight people were taken to Athens Regional Hospital and Northeast Georgia Medical Center respectively, three of whom are in a critical condition.
Wormreich founder Christopher Earl Pyle (aka Vulk; vocals and guitar) issued the following statement: “This morning I lost my brother and best friend, along with two awesome people that I was lucky to have even known for a short while. Two of my other brothers remain in critical condition. Somehow I was spared with only superficial wounds and a dislocated shoulder. This is not the end of Wormreich. It’s always been my vision, but more importantly, it is for those whom I have lost today that it must continue. Please send healing energy to the members of Wormreich, Khaotika, and their families. Ave.”
Rick Hayes, the husband of Khaotika vocalist Lariyah Hayes, posted the following update on Facebook: “I want to let everyone know that Lariyah was involved in the accident this morning, and yes she has some injuries, but she is strong, and is going to be okay, they are not life threatening.
“Prepping her for surgery now, and will update everyone as soon as I can.
“The full extent of the accident is still unknown to me as of now. Details are still coming in on everyone involved, from both bands.
“Thank you everyone, for your wishes and your support in our moment of tragedy.”
Wormreich issued EP Wormcult Revelations in April 2014, while Khaotika issued debut EP Bloodline Empire in May 2014.
