Year of the Knife’s Madi Watkins Recovering Well, But Still Has a Tough Road Ahead
Back in June, we were saddened to hear that the hardcore outfit Year of the Knife was involved in a serious accident while out on tour in Utah. Though everyone survived the crash, vocalist Madi Watkins suffered the worst of it as she was in critical condition due to her injuries. Though the rest of the band also sustained non-life threatening injuries, there was serious concern for Watkins’ well-being.
Fast forward to today and a new update reveals that Watkins could be sent home pretty soon. That’s the good news. The bad news is that she’s still got a long and arduous road to recovery ahead of her. Here’s all the details from guitarist and Madi’s husband, Brandon Watkins:
“Madi is working really hard two times a day in occupational, speech and physical Therapy. She’s already had surgeries to fix her broken jaw, facial fractures, both femurs, pelvis and ankle. She has fractured and broken just about every bone in her body. She is working hard in PT. She is still not able to sit up or stand on her own. We have been working on standing her on her right leg only. She can’t put any weight on her left leg at all because of the broken femur, pelvis, ankle and fractured tibia.
“This has been a challenge. She also has to be lifted out of bed in a sling to get her in a chair. She had her wires and bar removed from her mouth on August 24 and then her trach removed on the 25th. Enabling her to eat soft foods for the first time since the accident on June 28th. Hopefully her stomach peg tube will come out next.
“The most troubling and challenging of her injuries is the trauma to her brain. Right now on the Rancho Los Amigos scale she is a Cognitive (persons thinking and memory skills) Level V – Confused, Inappropriate Non Agitated: Maximal Assistance. You can read more about the cognitive levels here: https://www.neuroskills.com/education-and- resources/rancho-los-amigos-revised/
“Madi is silly most of the time but also gets upset and cries. In her condition she still worries about everyone else. She is the sweetest, kindest, strongest and most amazing person.
“Madi may be released sometime soon. Though this is comforting to know, it also brings a lot of uncertainties. Getting her home will be difficult. As of now we have no idea if she will be able to walk or sit up on her own. She has braces on both legs and is still in a C collar. She is not able to do even the little things that we take for granted. When we do get her home she will be in a chair. The house will need updates to make it more accessible for her. They still do not have a car.
“Aaron and Andy are both walking on crutches and doing okay.
“Brandon is learning a lot about what he will need to do to help Madi once they do get home. The funds raised continue to help the family with the costs involved. Every dollar donated makes a huge difference and we are so unbelievably grateful. Much love and thanks to you all.”
I can’t imagine the difficulties they’ve had to endure since the end of June. It’s such a shame to see such a talented individual have to go through so much hardship because of one accident.
The band is still collecting funds through their GoFundMe page to help cover health care costs and keep things afloat. So far they’ve raised almost $246,000 of their $300,000 goal. If you can contribute, please consider doing so.
We at MetalSucks continue to wish the best for Madi Watkins and the rest of Year of the Knife as they navigate this difficult time.
