Dear Jaz fans:
HI ! This is Fred, Jaz's agent/mgr. and pal, sometimes Chauffer,
banker, confidant and buddy, sometimes fashion consultant, advisor,
cohort in mischievous events, but most of all, Good friend.
Two weeks ago on May 21st, Jasmine and I made the trip to Georgetown,
Ohio, where she was doing a concert at the Gas Light Theatre with Gary
Campbell, and Brian Clayton & The Green River Band. As always, Jaz
knocked their socks off with her portion of the show. She received many
nice comments from the attendees and the folks at the country radio
station who co-sponsored the show. Dave Carrington, who represents my
office in the mid-west was seeing Jasmine for the first time. Dave, a
performer himself, was very impressed with her show, and promised to
help me pick up more dates for her in that part of the country. After
the show, Jaz,myself, and Dave went to unwind at Dave's house, sitting on his
huge front porch and discussing the evenings performance, and, country
music in general. Like me, Dave is a real fan of traditional country
music, so it was nice to relax & sit back & talk shop. I had my guitar
with me, so Dave & I entertained Jaz with a few renditions of some old
country songs.
Next morning, checking out of the motel, we had a really nice breakfast
and began the long trip home. It was a beautiful day, but all that was
about to change.
We were about 20 minutes out of Wheeling, WV on I-70. keeping up with
traffic and in the left lane. While passing an 18 wheeler, he suddenly
swerved into our lane, forcing us onto the shoulder of the road. Just as
quickly, he returned to the right lane, and we again were in the left
lane. Almost immediately, again the 18 wheeler came back into our lane,
but this time, he forced us off the road. We were now in grass median sliding down an embankment, as the rear wheels of the car
began sliding and turning us around. We apparently hit a hole or ditch,
because, before we knew it, the car began flipping over and over,
before coming to a stop on its roof. We were told later that we flipped
six or seven times and at one point were airborne.
We both got out of the car as fast as we could, Jasmine of course
beating me. We sat on the grassy embankment waiting for the EMS to
arrive, which really didn't take that long. I held Jasmine's hand as we
tried to console each other in what we had just been through. We were
taken to the Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, WV. It seemed we
were in the emergency room the better part of the day, as the accident
happened shortly after lunch, and I didn't get checked into a room until
around 7:00 PM that evening. Later that evening, Jasmine and I connected on the phone between our rooms. Jasmine somehow talked a nurse into letting
her visit me, and before I knew it, a nurse was pushing her into my room
in a wheelchair. We talked a long time about how lucky we were to not
have had more serious injuries. Scott & Roxanne (Jaz's parents) arrived
sometime after 9:00 PM at the hospital to see us and hopefully take us
home. They had to be a nervous wreck, wondering how we were, making the
long trip from Valley View to Wheeling, not knowing too much about what
happened. They found us both wearing neck braces. Jasmine had her right
arm all bandaged up. I had to get sitches above my right eye, as I had a
pretty bad cut. My right arm is still very stiff and hard to maneuver,
and I also lost my glasses somewhere in the wreckage. It was a long long
night for each of us.
Afterwards, when we were able to leave the hospital, and get to the car
to get our belongings, we couldn't believe the damage to the car, and
that we actually came through it with no broken bones. I am now a
believer in seat belts. I know without having one on, neither of us
would have lived to tell about it. We were so very very fortunate.
Surely, someone was watching over us that day.
There was a man and his wife in the car behind us, who stopped to assist
in whatever way they could. What amazes me most though, are all the
other cars behind us that could have helped, by getting the license
number of the 18 wheeler, or even getting a name from the side of the
truck, and calling the state police. NOT ONE person wanted to get
involved ! The trucker got away ! He had to see and know what he did,
but he ran. Surely he must be wondering, if we survived the accident or
not ? How does he, or even the people who witnessed the accident live
with themselves, knowing they could have made a difference, but chose
NOT to get involved. I just don't understand !
Hopefully, Jasmine and I can put all this behind us, heal our wounds and
move forward in building her career. We hope to see each of you at one
of her shows this summer. Please be sure to say hello !
AND, when you're on the interstate, beware of those huge trucks, and
please, please, always wear a seatbelt. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE ! IT SAVED
OURS !!!
Fred Clousher
Clousher Productions

"Excellence In Entertainment"