Gotthard frontman Steve Lee was killed in a traffic accident near Las Vegas on Tuesday. The band issued the following: Steve was killed accidentally during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene. The Gotthard singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfill a long-cherished dream for which he'd never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson.
The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee.
Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead. Among the passengers were bassist Marc Lynn and Steve's partner Brigitte Voss Balzarini. All other fellow riders were unharmed. Steve Lee was 47 years old.
With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world's best rock voices but also a good friend who due to his sensitivity and down-to-earth personality always met the people around him with respect.
It will take some time till we fully understand what has happened.
Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family.
Letters of condolence:
Gotthard Music GmbH
Grossmatte Ost 2
CH-6014 Littau
