Last week we heard about Grim Reaper frontman Steve Grimmett’s health condition resulting in the amputation of his right leg below his knee. While hopes continue to run high, we received an update that Grimmett remains hospitalized in South America. The airline wouldn’t let him board the plane on Saturday evening (21) insisting he was in no condition to fly. Grimmett’s wife Millie, continues to actively support him, keeping fans in the loop on the band’s Facebook page.
The Metal Voice’s Jimmy Kay interviewed Millie, explaining in more detail on what happened to Grimmett in Ecuador:
“The band was only ten days into a South American tour when Steve began to feel ill. He took some tablets thinking it was maybe altitude sickness. However, during the early part of the band’s performance, Steve’s health went downhill quickly. He was taken to hospital and rushed into surgery to attempt to remove a growing infection on his foot. The following morning, they scanned him and confirmed the infection had spread. He was rushed back into surgery and was told he would at minimum lose a few toes, worse-case scenario his foot. Additional tests were conducted and the infection had again spread. On Wednesday, a decision was made for a third operation; one that resulted in doctors removing Steve’s right leg below the knee in order to stop the infection that could, if allowed to spread, take his life.”
A fundraising page has been started to help cover the medical costs that continue to spread faster than Grimmett’s disease. Donations can be made here.
While the rest of the band have already booked their flights home, Grimmett plans to head back to the UK safely on Friday (27).
Grimmett made the following statement:
“I would like to thank my band mates for their support and to our fans for doing the same.”
Millie chimed in with:
“I am overwhelmed with all the messages of support. Even though this was a life-changing operation, it saved Steve’s life, and me and the rest of our family are eternally grateful.”
Currently all forthcoming Grim Reaper dates remain cancelled. At this time we hope Grimmett will spend this time on a healthy and safe recovery.
