Death Angel Drummer Emerges from 12-Day Coma: “Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”
Good news from Death Angel drummer Will Carroll, who has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks with COVID-19: the vaunted thrash skinsman is on the mend!
Carroll’s condition first came into the public eye on March 22 when Exodus guitarist Gary Holt painted a grim picture of the drummer’s condition, revealing he was in the ICU and “very ill” with symptoms from the coronavirus. Death Angel asked fans to respect Will’s privacy, sending a chill throughout the metalsphere, and it later came out that he was on a ventilator. Holt himself, Testament frontman Chuck Billy and others on the three bands’ recent European tour together also came down with COVID-19.
Fans can breathe a deep sigh of relief today, as Carroll himself has issued an update indicating that he is recovering. What’s more, he revealed that he had been in a 12-day coma, during which doctors pumped a total of five pounds of liquid out of his lungs.
Blabbermouth has posted a message purportedly shared by Carroll, although the origin of the statement is unclear (the site didn’t link or embed it and we can’t find it on any of the band’s or Will’s accounts). Here is that statement in full:
“‘Rumors of my death have greatly been exaggerated’. I thought I’d start this post with a Mark Twain quote. But in all seriousness I can’t over express how everyone’s outpouring of love, support and positive energy was so important to me. Without getting too spiritual or sappy I honestly think you saved my life.
“When I was in a coma I was for 12 days your positive energy somehow got me through. I know I’m strong and resilient but not that strong.
“During my coma the doctors told me they had to pump my lungs of all fluid which was the equivalent of 5 pounds of beer they thought I was a goner for sure.
“It’s a hell of feeling talking to people who thought you weren’t going to make it. It completely blew my mind when I got a message from one of my idols Jay Jay French [from Twisted Sister]. A man who I don’t even know. Maybe he saw a picture of my TS tattoo. That just shows he’s pure class.
“You know when I was a kid I used to think TS’s lyrics were ‘Fuck you, it’s us against them’ but maybe that’s a bit shortsighted I think they’re more about the value of life and not squandering it.
“As I start this new chapter of my life I look forward to getting my chops back up to speed and getting some new files from Mr. Rob Cavestany which will eventually be DA’s 10 record. Until then I have the arguas [sic] task of Learning to walk and eat solid food.
“I love you all and thank you.”
We are incredibly relieved to learn that Carroll is on the up and up, although it sounds like he’s certainly still got a ways to go. We wish him all the best in his recovery!
