Add The California Post on Google Earth Wind & Fire drummer John Paris uttered just a few heartbreaking words to his wife before doctors placed the critically ill man back into a coma, according to a new update from his supporters.
Paris suffered a “cardiac incident” and was rushed to the hospital just minutes before the band was scheduled to go on with famed singer Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco last Thursday.
His last known condition was “critical,” but an update from a supporters’ Facebook page shed new light on the drummer.
Paris was placed in a medically induced coma at the hospital but briefly awoke and immediately asked for his wife, musician Kathy Merrick.
“Where’s Kathy?” he asked, according to the update.
Then he looked at a close friend and jokingly said, “Get me outta here.”
Relief swept across his hospital room. But the moment didn’t last.
His blood pressure began to rise, and Paris began to have trouble breathing. Doctors were forced to make “the difficult decision to sedate him again so his body could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care,” the update said.
“Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward,” supporters wrote.
Paris has shown “slight responses” when music has been played, but is facing a long road to recovery.
“John’s journey is far from over,There is so much hope that surrounds him. We ask that you continue to keep John, Kathy, Kyla, and everyone who loves him in your prayers,” they wrote.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Paris by his family and friends.
Several band members, including saxophonist Gary Bias and keyboardist Myron McKinley, have donated to the GoFundMe. Bias donated $200, and McKinley contributed $500.
Shelly Clark, founding member of the girls group Honey Cone, started the fundraiser to help Paris and his wife Kathy Merrick with medical expenses. Merrick is also a founding member of Honey Cone, which has postponed upcoming performances to allow Merrick to tend to Paris.
“His wife, Kathy Merrick, a member of the legendary group Honey Cone, has remained by his side, along with their daughter, Kyla. With their home in the Los Angeles area, this unexpected medical crisis has brought not only emotional heartbreak, but also the growing burden of travel, lodging, meals, countless unexpected expenses, and the unforeseen challenges that lie ahead,” the fundraiser said.
“As friends who love and care deeply for John and Kathy, Shelly Clark White and Wendy Smith-Brune’, member of Honey Cone, along with Tazz Cole, longtime friend of Shelly Clark White and Verdine White, have created this GoFundMe to help ease these unexpected expenses and challenges so Kathy can focus on what matters most—being by John’s side during this incredibly difficult time,” it continued.
Paris’ health emergency came months after Richie had his own health scare in June. He had an onstage dizzy spell and brief hospitalization, though he resumed his tour days later.
Richie said he felt “dizzy” and “strange,” forcing him to cut his performance short.
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