Surviving the Unthinkable: Drummer Don Powell's Journey of Resilience and Gratitude
Drummer Don Powell of the band Slade recently opened up about a life-altering car accident he experienced in 1973. The incident occurred in the early hours of July 4 near his home in Wolverhampton, England. At the time, Slade was a prominent band in Britain with multiple chart-topping singles. Powell and his fiance were both thrown from the vehicle during the crash, resulting in her immediate death and his miraculous survival.
During a podcast appearance on Rockonteurs, Powell shared details of the accident, revealing that he had no recollection of the events leading up to it. Fortunately, two passing nurses came to his aid, with one holding his head together until help arrived. Following emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, Powell woke up from a six-day coma. Despite losing his sense of smell and taste, he was able to regain full use of his limbs, although relearning how to play the drums proved challenging due to memory loss.
In the aftermath of the accident, Powell spent years searching for the nurses who saved him, wanting to express his gratitude. Eventually, with the help of a news reporter, he was able to reconnect with one of the nurses over the phone. Powell expressed his heartfelt thanks to her and her friend, who had since moved away. The drummer's journey of recovery and resilience serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of unexpected acts of kindness.