Kaylah Walton
The fear of airplane accidents is something we all share; it feels as if our lives depend on the outcome.
In 2008, Travis Barker, the drummer of Blink-182, found himself in a terrifying situation that he would rather forget.
The incident took place in South Carolina while he was aboard a private jet returning to Van Nuys, California with other celebrities.
Before the flight, Travis had an uneasy feeling and had asked his band and record label to avoid using any airplane imagery connected to the Take Off Your Pants and Jacket album released in 2001, which felt eerily coincidental given the day’s events.
What began as a normal journey quickly escalated into disaster. Shortly after takeoff in South Carolina, a tire struck an embankment, igniting a severe fire on the aircraft. Travis and the other passengers suffered serious burns.
His challenging recovery journey
During a chat with Bert Kreischer, Travis opened up about his intense rehabilitation, which is still vivid in his mind. He endured burns covering 70% of his body and spent over 11 weeks hospitalized with more than 30 surgeries.
His time in burn treatment facilities involved procedures he likened to “using a cheese grater” to meticulously remove and reposition his skin—a process that was both emotionally and physically grueling.
Despite the agony, Travis now sees this experience as a turning point in his life, particularly as he enjoys a relationship with a Kardashian:
“I survived a plane crash that burned 70% of my body while being the drummer for an incredibly popular pop-punk band, underwent sobriety during my six months in burn units, and now I’m married to a Kardashian,” he shared in the interview.
This is a remarkable tale of triumph over a life-altering incident. Although it was a horrific event that nearly took his life, Travis now embraces the future with optimism and pride.
