Surviving Tragedy: Travis Barker's Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Triumph
Travis Barker's tumultuous journey through health setbacks, including a plane crash, blood clots, and more An exploration of the drummer's challenges and triumphs from 2008 to 2023
Over the years, Travis Barker has encountered numerous health challenges, such as a plane crash and subsequent hospitalization shortly after his marriage to Kourtney Kardashian.
In September 2008, Barker found himself on a plane that resulted in the death of four individuals and inflicted third-degree burns on 65 percent of his body. As a result of this traumatic experience, the Blink-182 member made the decision to refrain from flying and opted for alternative modes of transportation, namely by car, boat, and train.
Barker later pondered on the impact of his relationship on his brave choice to confront his fears.
The band member experienced another health scare in June 2022 when he was observed being taken to a hospital in an ambulance.
Scroll down for a breakdown of Barker’s health issues over the years:
Credit: Stephen Lovekin/BEI/Shutterstock
Travis Barker’s Health Ups and Downs Through the Years: Plane Crash, Blood Clots and More
Over the years, Travis Barker has encountered numerous health issues, such as a devastating plane crash and subsequent hospitalization shortly after marrying Kourtney Kardashian.
In September 2008, Barker was involved in a plane crash that resulted in the deaths of four individuals and severe third-degree burns covering 65 percent of his body. This terrifying incident prompted the Blink-182 artist to renounce air travel, opting instead for transportation by car, boat, and train.
In June 2021, just a month before boarding Kylie Jenner's private jet from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Barker took to Twitter to express that he was ready to confront his fear of flying with the assistance of Kardashian. Looking back, Barker acknowledged the impact his relationship had on his choice to face his fears.
"I had a conversation with her where she expressed her desire for us to travel together. She mentioned wanting to visit Italy, Cabo, Paris, and Bora Bora," he revealed in a September 2021 interview with Nylon. "I assured her that whenever she decides to fly, I will be there with her. I am willing to do anything with her. All I requested was a 24-hour notice, and she honored that."
In June 2022, the band member faced another health emergency when he was observed being taken to a hospital in an ambulance.
Scroll down for a breakdown of Barker's health issues over the years:
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September 2008
The musician survived a plane crash that claimed the lives of four out of six individuals on board. Barker, along with his friend Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein, were the sole survivors. Tragically, Goldstein passed away at the age of 36 within a year, due to a drug overdose.
In the aftermath of the incident, Barker endured severe third-degree burns on 65 percent of his body and had to undergo 26 surgeries. After spending three months in the hospital, he faced the daunting task of learning to walk once more.
"I was informed that I wouldn't be able to run again due to the numerous grafts on my feet, and there were even discussions about my inability to play the drums," Barker revealed to Men's Health in May 2021. "But as soon as I regained the ability to walk, I was able to run. Once my hands healed and I could move them, I resumed playing the drums. And presently, I am in the best physical condition of my life."
Additionally, Barker candidly shared how this incident prompted him to abandon the abuse of "hard drugs."
"People always ask me, 'Did you attend rehab?'" he explained. "And my response is, 'No, I experienced a plane crash.' That incident served as my rehabilitation. Losing three close friends and coming close to death acted as a wake-up call for me. Without that crash, I probably wouldn't have found the motivation to quit."
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June 2018
The residency of Blink-182 at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas was postponed when Barker was hospitalized due to complications from blood clots in both of his arms. Additionally, Barker was diagnosed with a staph infection and cellulitis, a skin infection.
"I'm currently recovering from blood clots," Barker informed E! News during that month. "I have around 30 in my right hand and arm, and about 10 in my left. I'm patiently waiting for them to dissipate. I am being treated with blood thinners."
Credit: Mediapunch/Shutterstock
July 2018
Amid his health struggles, Barker was involved in a crash when a school bus collided with his car.
On my way to my son's basketball game, my car was completely wrecked by a school bus that ran a red light. The whole situation was incredibly chaotic. I consider myself fortunate that everyone involved remains unharmed. Thankfully, there were no children on the bus at the time, only the driver. Both my son and his best friend are safe as well. Above all, it was an incredibly frightening experience.
Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
September 2018
Three months after Barker's hospitalization, Blink-182 canceled their tour as the drummer continued to recover.
Regrettably, blink is compelled to cancel its fall mini-tour, including their headline performance at Riot Fest in Chicago, due to Travis' ongoing medical issues. Despite the expectation that he would be able to tour by fall, his recent checkups have prevented him from receiving medical clearance in time for the scheduled dates. Travis, in his own statement on social media, expressed his determination to return to the road as soon as possible, acknowledging that the risks associated with drumming remain too significant.
Credit: Stephen Lovekin/BEI/Shutterstock
June 2022
It has been confirmed that Barker was recently admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to a health concern. Prior to his hospitalization, the California native expressed unease by tweeting, "God save me."
His father's health scare was publicly addressed by his daughter, Alabama Barker, who took to Instagram Story on the same day and requested prayers. Despite the situation, his son, Landon Barker, managed to perform with Machine Gun Kelly at Madison Square Garden in New York City just hours after his father's hospitalization.
Credit: ABC/WDTV
July 2022
Barker shared on Instagram Story that he underwent an endoscopy on Monday and initially felt well. However, after dinner, he experienced intense pain and has been hospitalized ever since. The endoscopy involved the removal of a small polyp in a delicate area that is typically attended to by specialists. Unfortunately, this procedure caused damage to a vital pancreatic drainage tube, leading to a severe and life-threatening case of pancreatitis. Barker expressed gratitude for the intensive treatment that has significantly improved his condition.
Kardashian took to social media to share her thoughts on the situation.
In an Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude for her husband's recovery from severe pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition that they discovered during a routine endoscopy. She acknowledged the importance of prioritizing health and reflected on how quickly it can change. Kardashian also thanked everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this scary and emotional week.
Credit: Courtesy of Travis Barker/Instagram
November 2022
Days following his 47th birthday, Barker verified that he fractured his toe. The artist recorded his visit to the hospital, during which he received a brace for his foot.
Credit: Courtesy of Travis Barker/Instagram
February 2023
Barker revealed an X-ray of his hand, showcasing the reoccurrence of his broken finger just before his upcoming tour with Blink-182. Shortly thereafter, he underwent surgery on the finger and openly shared graphic images of the distorted digit. In a video, when asked by a doctor about the state of his finger, the musician responded, "It's painful."
Credit: Robin L Marshall/WireImage
September 2023
Barker revealed that he underwent a dental procedure and battled a chronic pain disorder after being diagnosed with COVID.
“Also last week I had covid, an episode of trigeminal neuralgia, and a root canal. Which means I can pretty much handle anything god throws at me,” he tweeted at the time.
