Earth, Wind and Fire’s John Paris remains in an “induced coma”
“Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope,” an official Facebook statement shared on Thursday, Aug. 13 read
TMZ reported Paris was taken to a local hospital on Thursday, Aug. 6, right before the legendary soul group was supposed to perform in San Francisco
Earth, Wind & Fire’s John Paris is still in an “induced coma.”
After TMZ reported the drummer was taken to a local hospital on Thursday, Aug. 6, right before the legendary soul group was supposed to perform in San Francisco with Lionel Richie, bassist Verdine White’s wife Shelly Clark White and friend Tazz Cole shared an official update about his condition on Facebook.
“Over the past several days, we have intentionally kept many details of John’s condition private out of respect for him and his family,” the update began. “As information has begun to circulate publicly, we feel it’s important that everyone hears the story directly from us so there is no confusion about where things stand today.”
John Paris of Earth, Wind and Fire in August 2017 in Alpharetta, Ga.
Credit: Chris McKay/Getty
They then explained how grateful Paris’s family was that Earth, Wind & Fire tour manager Toshi was by his side during the incident.
“When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed,” the statement continued. “From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side. One of John’s closest friends, Eddie M, has also faithfully remained at his bedside every day, hoping and praying alongside the family.”
They then shared that Paris opened his eyes at one point, asking for his wife Kathy Merrick.
“For a few precious moments, everyone saw the John they know and love. There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope. Sadly, that moment was short-lived,” read the statement. Not long after, John’s blood pressure began to rise, and he had difficulty breathing. His doctors made the difficult decision to sedate him again so his body could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care.”
They explained that Paris “remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward.”
“Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope. Even now, John appears to show slight responses when music is played,” it read.
“Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives. Thank you for continuing to STAND WITH JOHN. We will share updates as we are able and when there is meaningful news to report,” it concluded.
A GoFundMe has since been launched by Shelly, Wendy Smith-Brune and Cole in support of Paris, and as of publication, has raised nearly $69,000 of its $75,000 goal.
Earth, Wind and Fire has been in the midst of its Sing A Song All Night Long Tour throughout North America with Richie, which launched in Saint Paul, Minn. on June 24.
The tour is set to conclude Friday, Aug. 14 with Richie in Austin, Texas at Moody Center.
Read the original article on People