With former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and turntablist DJ AM still hospitalized in critical condition after their brush with death, officials are investigating whether or not a blown tire led to the fiery crash that killed four people and left Barker and AM severely injured on September 19th. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the Learjet attempting to take the men from South Carolina to California had an inoperable wheel during its botched takeoff, and this may have contributed to the aircraft's deadly collision. The NTSB has contacted Goodyear tires for further information, and the tire manufacturer said in a statement that it "will cooperate fully" with the investigation.
Barker and DJ AM -- whose real name is Adam Goldstein -- had performed at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina before boarding the chartered plane bound for the Los Angeles area. They suffered second- and third-degree burns and are recovering at an Augusta, Georgia burn center.
A coroner's report released September 22nd indicated that the pilot and co-pilot of the plane died from a combination of smoke inhalation and injuries. Barker's assistant, Chris Baker, and his bodyguard, Charles Still, perished from blunt force trauma.
A memorial fund has been established in the names of Baker and Still to aid their families financially.
Condolences and well-wishes have been pouring in for those involved in the crash. Barker's on-again-off-again main squeeze, Shanna Moakler, said in a statement Monday, "There are not enough words to express how thankful we are for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this very difficult time. We can only ask for prayers as we heal and mourn the loss of our dear friends who we considered part of our family. Our lives will be changed forever."
Fall Out Boy toured with Barker's band +44 last year and said in a statement, "Our band would like to reach out and put those who were a part of this tragedy and their families in our prayers, as well our continued support for the recovery of those who survived. It's time like these that we are reminded -- in the worst possible way -- to honor life."
Actress Lindsay Lohan, a close friend of Goldstein's, wrote on her MySpace blog, "Please send your prayers out to Adam Goldstein and Travis Barker, along with the others lost in the plane crash. It's so scary to think that life can end so fast. We must treasure each and every moment -- and be thankful for what we have."
Rapper Beanie Siegel told MTV news that he had just seen Barker in Las Vegas and was shocked by news of the crash, "Man, that took me like, 'Wow.' It's just a blessing he survived. It got me thinking, like, 'Is it all worth it? This lifestyle and all the traveling we do.'"
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