Giving Back for Gary

With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you that our dear friend, bandmate and brother, Gary Morissette, has suffered a tragic and life-changing spinal cord injury, which will cause permanent mobility issues. He is currently in the Step Down ICU of the Spinal Rehab Unit at Vancouver General Hospital and will eventually be transferred to a clinic to work with specialists. His mind and signature Gary grin are intact, and he is in relatively good spirits. He is fighting this battle with strength.

 

Details of the accident are unknown, and the family is asking for privacy and discretion at this time. The overwhelming response from everyone and your messages of love and care are giving them strength - and please don’t hesitate to leave your messages for Gary and the family here.

 

Gary always laid it on the line and gave absolutely everything he had to everyone he met and played music for. Every performance was 100% effort and passion and Rock & Roll to the core. That even extended to the after-parties, where he graciously gave any fan or friend time, attention and amazing, hilarious memories. Now is our chance to Give Back for Gary.

 

If there was ever a guy who truly lived it up and lived in the moment - Gary is that guy. A true legend who pursued his dream and passion with 100% conviction and determination. He cherished his friendships and connections with positivity and humour. Any room he was in was instantly more exciting and fun. He capitalized on every chance to turn any old night into something magical and memorable.

 

We would constantly watch in amazement from the stage as he would captivate and transform some quiet Sports Bar dinner crowd into a magical frenzy of rock and roll shenanigans. Touring for weeks on end, we would roll into a new town, completely exhausted, only to find friends or fans that had planned their big night out around our tour. He would never disappoint or have a lackluster off-night. He would find a second wind and make those people feel like they had been at the most amazing and memorable party ever. And he did it every single night...

 

This is such a tragic accident and a massive blow to so many who love Gary and his freewheeling spirit and creative genius. The silver lining is that Gary will now see just how many people love him and how many lives he has touched along the way. Help us give back for Gary, and let’s celebrate his massive legacy of connection through music, laughter and love.

 

It’s a very long, hard road ahead. But with the right equipment and support, this can have a positive outcome. We know Gary’s humour, genius and drive will prevail and that he will find a new life in his new reality. He will continue to touch lives and be an inspiration to others.

 

We’ve set a goal of raising $100,000 for Gary to help him get everything he needs to continue enjoying life to the fullest and to make sure that music is a part of the healing process and beyond. Thank you to everyone for supporting Gary, sharing this fundraiser and leaving words of encouragement for him to read. We’ll be posting updates as often as possible, so please check back often.

 

We love you, Gary. You can do this!

 

-The Unknown Culprits Family