How a plane crash changed Travis Barker’s life. From enduring severe injuries to discovering a new purpose through music, his journey exemplifies resilience and transformation.
“I was running. I was on fire.” That’s how Travis described the moment when his life changed forever.
In 2008, he boarded a private plane in South Carolina, hoping to land safely in California. But life had other plans. Seconds after takeoff, disaster struck. A blown tire caused the plane to skid off the runway, crash through a fence, and burst into flames. Barker, who had always been afraid of flying, saw his worst nightmare come to life.
Somehow, he survived. His close friend DJ AM also made it out, but sadly, no one else did.
The Fight to Stay Alive
Surviving the crash was just the beginning of his battle. Barker suffered severe burns on over 70% of his body. The road to recovery was grueling, involving 11 weeks in the hospital, more than 30 surgeries, and a level of pain that is difficult to describe.
He endured skin grafts, infections, and numerous operations. He later described the pain as akin to having his wounds scraped with a cheese grater.
However, the physical pain wasn’t the only challenge. The emotional toll was equally difficult. He grappled with guilt over surviving when others didn’t, followed by profound sadness. Staying sober was not a choice for him; his body simply couldn’t handle drugs anymore.
“I didn’t know how to live without being high,” he reflected afterward. For years, he had relied on drugs to numb his feelings. Now, he had to face life unfiltered.
Starting Over
Barker found himself at a crossroads: he could either let the pain consume him or choose to rebuild his life. Before the crash, he was always busy touring, partying, and seeking distractions. After the crash, life slowed down. He began taking care of his body, spending more time with his kids, and focusing on what truly mattered.
And then there was music. Drumming had always been his refuge, but after everything he had experienced, it became essential. When he played the drums for the first time post-crash, it wasn’t just about making music, it was about rediscovering himself. His return to music was more than a comeback, it was a declaration: “I’m still here.”
A New Life
Today, Barker’s life is vastly different. His relationship with Kourtney Kardashian, while unexpected, has brought him a peace he had never known before. He continues to make music and learn new things, but above all, he is present for his family, for himself, and for the second chance he received.
Travis Barker’s story is not merely one of survival; it is a narrative of transformation. It is a testament to facing adversity and emerging stronger. It is about taking a tragedy and transforming it into fuel for something greater.
Sometimes, life doesn’t just offer a second chance; it offers a new beginning.