Local News
Singer Vince Neil Not Aboard Plane in Scottsdale Crash, Confirms Spokesperson
Scottsdale, AZ – A Learjet 35A, reportedly linked to Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil, veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 at Scottsdale Municipal Airport on Monday, February 10, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Learjet crashed after its main landing gear failed upon landing.
A source informed Channel2 NOW that Neil was not involved in the accident.
Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil was not on board the Learjet 35A that crashed at Scottsdale Municipal Airport on Monday, despite the aircraft being registered to his company, Chromed in Hollywood, Inc.
A spokesperson for Neil released a statement clarifying his absence and expressing his sympathies:
“Mr. Neil was not on the aircraft at the time of the incident. His thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic accident. He is also deeply grateful for the swift and professional response of all first responders who provided critical aid today.”
According to Mötley Crüe’s manager, Allen Kovac, Neil’s girlfriend, Rain, and her friend, Ashley, were on the Learjet 35A when it crashed upon landing. Both women survived and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Rain reportedly sustained five broken ribs, while the dogs they were traveling with also survived.
Kovac confirmed that Neil is safe and extended the singer’s condolences to the families of those affected. He also stated that the band is currently discussing ways to support the victims’ families in the wake of the tragedy.
According to Scottsdale Fire Department Public Information Officer Dave Folio, five individuals were involved in the crash:
- One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Two individuals sustained critical injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.
- One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.
- One individual refused medical attention.
The Learjet 35A is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, Inc., a Wyoming-based company linked to Vince Neil. The Gulfstream 200, which was stationary at the time of the collision, is owned by Jet Pros, LLC, a private jet charter company based at Scottsdale Airpark.
Jet Pros Director of Operations Gus Toulatos released a statement expressing condolences:
“On behalf of Jet Pros, LLC, we are saddened to hear about the lives lost and those injured today at Scottsdale Airport. Our condolences go out to the families affected by this terrible accident. Our Gulfstream G-200 was parked on the ramp when it was hit by a Learjet 35. Fortunately, there were no injuries on board our aircraft, but external damage was sustained. We are fully cooperating with airport authorities and relevant agencies as they investigate the incident.”
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky also extended her sympathies:
“On behalf of the City of Scottsdale, we offer our deepest condolences to those involved in this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with those receiving treatment at our trauma center.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a full investigation into the crash.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.