Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris, 58, has suffered spinal cord injury, family announce... as GoFundMe after medical emergency tops $100k

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has entered a rehabilitation center with a spinal cord injury, his family have announced. 

Paris, 58, was hospitalized in August ahead of the band's show with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center, amid reports of a 'cardiac incident.' He was placed in an induced coma with a GoFundMe launched to help pay for his medical bills.

After more than two months in hospital, Paris' family, including wife Kathy Merrick, have issued a health update to fans, revealing more about the 'frightening chapter' the musician faced – as he works to regain his independence.

In an update on the fundraising page, which has raised more than $100,000, Paris' family also revealed he did not have health insurance when he fell grievously ill.

The message read: 'John has left the hospital and begun the next phase of his recovery in rehabilitation.

'This is a milestone we have prayed for -  but it is not the end of John’s journey. In many ways, a new one is just beginning.

'When we created this GoFundMe, our immediate goal was to help Kathy remain by John’s side in San Francisco while maintaining the living, travel and household expenses that continued while they were away from their home in Los Angeles.

'Because of you, we were able to help them through that first frightening chapter. Thank you.

'Today we need to share something we did not publicly discuss when this fundraiser began. John did not have medical insurance when this medical emergency occurred.

'John’s prolonged hospitalization, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation and continuing medical needs have created a financial situation far beyond what we anticipated when Standing With John began. 

'Kathy and John are pursuing every available source of assistance, including Medicare and workers’ compensation, but what ultimately will be covered remains unresolved. Meanwhile, John’s care continues.'

The statement added: 'If you’ve already donated, you helped Kathy remain beside John during one of the hardest periods of their lives. You helped when they needed you.

'We’re asking you to stand with them again. If you’re able to donate, any amount matters. If you cannot donate, sharing John’s story can be just as important. Help us reach the next person who may be able to help.

'John has spent a lifetime giving us music. Now let’s help John on the long road home.'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for comment and has yet to hear back.

In August, bandmember Verdine White's wife Shelly took to Facebook to give an update on Paris' condition, revealing he briefly woke from an induced coma to address his doting wife Merrick.

The post read: 'Over the past several days, we have intentionally kept many details of John's condition private out of respect for him and his family.

'As information has begun to circulate publicly, we feel it's important that everyone hears the story directly from us so there is no confusion about where things stand today.

'When everything unfolded, Earth, Wind & Fire Tour Manager Toshi was by John's side.

'Her steady presence, care, and support during those first moments meant more than words can express, and the family will always be grateful.

'When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed.

'From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side.

'One of John's closest friends, Eddie M, has also faithfully remained at his bedside every day, hoping and praying alongside the family.

'Then came a moment no one in the room will ever forget. John opened his eyes.

'He looked around the room and quietly asked, "Where's Kathy?" Once he saw her, you could feel the relief that swept through everyone.

'Then he looked over at Eddie with that wonderfully wicked sense of humor that everyone who knows John has come to love and said, "Get me outta here man!"

'For a few precious moments, everyone saw the John they know and love.

'There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope. Sadly, that moment was short-lived.'

The post revealed that 'not too long after' Paris' moment of consciousness, his blood pressure began to rise and he had 'difficulty breathing.'

'His doctors made the difficult decision to sedate him again so his body could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care' the post continued.

'Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward.

'Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope.

'Even now, John appears to show slight responses when music is played.

'For a man whose life has been devoted to music, those moments have been incredibly meaningful to everyone at his bedside. 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.

'Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives.

'Thank you for continuing to STAND WITH JOHN. We will share updates as we are able and when there is meaningful news to report.'

The group also includes Philip Bailey, Myron McKinley, Oshun Shango Oshunde, Morris O’Connor, Serg Dimitrijevic, B David Whitworth and Ralph Johnson. 

Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as their drummer in 2001. Paris has since performed on the band's 2003 studio album The Promise, 2005's Illumination, 2013's Now, Then & Forever and 2014's Holiday.

A statement from the band in August read: 'We are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band.

'As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon. Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.'

Earth, Wind & Fire burst onto the music scene in 1975 with the number one single Shining Star and went on to have a string of hits through the late 70s and early 80s including Got To Get You Into My Life, September, Boogie Wonderland and After the Love has Gone. 

The group released their hit song September in 1978, which is still one of their biggest hits to date, and it was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2018. They are the proud winners of seven Grammys.