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A terrible traffic accident in Vancouver engulfs a US punk band. Here’s how you can help the victim. [WARNING: This is graphic.]

Something went terribly wrong in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that has resulted in severe, severe injuries to a woman.

Off with Their Heads, a punk band from Minneapolis, had just wrapped up a gig at the SBC Restaurant on East Hastings Street. After loading up, their van, towing a trailer, pulled away. The exact details of what happened next is uncertain.

Somehow, 24-year-old Desiree Evancio was struck by the van and caught underneath. Perhaps she walked behind the trailer as it was backing up and knocked down before getting caught on something. (There was no damage to the front of the van.)

She was dragged for five city blocks before anyone realized it. There was a line of blood down the street.

Her injuries are horrific: a shattered jaw, the loss of an eye, many broken bones, and permanent damage to her limbs. A nurse-practitioner who raced to help says he couldn’t tell if the victim was a man or a woman.

The driver has not been identified. There are questions about whether the driver was impaired. No charges have been laid. Meanwhile, the band has canceled the rest of their tour.

There is a GoFundMe campaign to help Desiree.

“On what is normally a weekend full of friends, family, and being thankful, it has tragically turned into a life-threatening time for our beloved coworker and friend, Desiree.

“As many have already seen on the news in the last couple of days, at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Desiree was struck by a driver believed to be under the influence, and was trapped under the vehicle and dragged for 5-7 blocks until the driver noticed.  She is currently at Vancouver General Hospital facing life-threatening injuries.

“Fortunately, Desiree has shown signs of consciousness, but is still in extremely critical condition and has already underwent multiple surgeries.

“It is currently undetermined what lies ahead for her, what her recovery will be, and whether or not she will have life-long ailments because of this.

“Desiree is 24 years old and is originally from [Ottawa] Ontario, with her sister being her only in-province immediate family member. She is an adventurous, full of life, always up for a good time and a laugh, free-spirited young woman, with so much life still ahead of her. Sadly she is yet another example of bad things happening to good people.

“We are making this page in hopes of raising money to help cover her living expenses, as well as to go towards future medical bills and legal fees, when that time comes. It is unknown how long her recovery will be and when she will be able to work again, but she certainly has a long road ahead of her.

“Anything anyone is willing to give will be put to good use and greatly appreciated! Even if you can’t donate please think of Des and spread the word!”

Friends in Ottawa are on their way to Barnaby to help with her care.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38022 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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