Source : Perth Now news
A talented Aussie drummer is spending his 23rd birthday fighting for life in a London hospital, following an alleged shocking hit-and-run.
River Langford had travelled to the UK as part of a tour with one of his many musical projects when tragedy struck.
Having just completed his set on August 28, he called his girlfriend back in Australia to tell her he was cycling back to his hotel and would call again in 15 minutes.
The call never arrived.
Instead, his mother received a call from the Australian embassy in London with the devastating news that he was in hospital, having been knocked off his bike.
Mr Langford was placed into an induced coma as he was treated for catastrophic injuries.
He has since woken from the coma but remains in a critical condition in the Royal London Hospital.
Tilly Langford, his older sister, said their mother and Mr Langford’s girlfriend both immediately flew out to England to be by his side.
But uncertainty around how long they will have to stay in the UK and his recovery has left the family in desperate need of support.
“It was a very scary moment when we found out what happened and within four hours my mum was on a plane to be there,” Miss Langford said.
“When we first phones the hospital they told us he was in an induced coma, so we definitely feared for the worst.”
Knowing the terrifying ordeal would come with significant financial challenges, Miss Langford set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of getting a small amount of support.
More than $45,000 has already been raised.
“This all happened so out of the blue – it could have happened to anyone,” Miss Langford added.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had, but that is a testament to the community River has around him.
“He is the kind of person who lights up a room and has so many people in the Sydney music community that love him and want to support us.”
Days before the incident, Mr Langford had performed at the We Out Here alongside fellow Aussie rising star Yasmina Sadiki.
He had played in London on the day of the crash.
Mr Langford has devoted his entire adult life to the Sydney music scene, running a weekly hip hop jam called Inner West, while also performing in India and at the South By Southwest festival in Austin Texas.
He was due to return to Australia in time for his 23rd birthday, on September 1.
“He is an amazing drummer, but we now do not know how long it will be before he will be able to play again,” his sister added.
“We are desperately hoping this does not impact his future opportunities, but we know he has a very long road ahead.”
