YOTK's Madi Watkins Now Physically Communicating With Doctors

UPDATE (JULY 23, 2023): Yesterday (July 22), guitarist Brandon Watkins posted an “overall” hopeful social media update regarding vocalist Madi Watkins’ current condition:

Madi’s now at KPC promise hospital in SLC. This is a long term acute rehab facility. She’ll be here till she’s ready for the U of U acute rehab program. Here they work on just about every kind of rehab your can think of, cognitive, speech, physical etc. things are moving really fast. She’s been able to communicate to nurses periodically through different hand signs like thumbs up or three fingers out. Today she’s tracking visually looking at us and looking in my eyes. I wear she’s been mouthing B when she looks my way. She’s also in an agitated state from all the pain and confusion. The doctors say it’s just part of waking up. It’s hard to see your loved one in pain. But things will only get better, as they have been, from here. The road ahead is a long one but we owe you all a huge thank you for keeping us going. Thanks for reading – B.

The news follows Watkins’ July 19th and 20th updates, wherein he cumulatively stated:

Madi update: Through giving a thumbs up madi was able to tell the nurses which parts of her were hurting. Her mom asked her to give a thumbs up if madi loved her and she did it. Made me cry. They plan on moving her to a long term acute therapy place today. Doctors hope she’ll Spend a week or so there and come back to the university of utah for the hospitals acute therapy program. Big big hope lots of progress. It was truly amazing to see. Madi progresses more and more everyday. Always baby steps but she moves so quickly. Its incredible. Today they’re asking Madi questions again and she’s responding with thumbs up and okay signs. She even washed her own face with a little help. HUGE. Im so thankful for all my friends and all of you keeping up with me. I think I would’ve gone insane the first week without you all. So thank you so much for caring and letting me know you’re there for me.

You can see those posts below:

UPDATE (JULY 2, 2023): Last Friday (June 30), guitarist Brandon Watkins posted the following update to the band’s GoFundMe page:

I am so grateful; we are so grateful to have so many special people looking out for us. I have nothing but gratitude for everyone who has donated and shared. Currently, Madi is stable and we are waiting for the doctors to give us more information on what our next steps will be moving forward in the recovery process. Aaron, Andy and I are recovering and are trying to stay positive. Much love.

As of this writing, their GoFundMe has received nearly 4,000 donations, totaling about $144,000 of their $200,000 goal.

Year of the Knife vocalist Madi Watkins is in critical condition after the band's van collided with an 18-wheeler truck, leaving other members with serious injuries as well. A GoFundMe has been launched to aid with medical bills and other expenses.

The accident occurred earlier this week, confirmed by the metallic hardcore group on Twitter the following day, where they revealed, "We got in a REALLY bad accident. Everyone's alive. We're stuck in [Salt Lake City, Utah].

Guitarist Brandon Watkins offered a brief update after noting it had been "easily [the] worst day of my entire life." He reiterated that all of the members are alive, "but things aren't good." Turning his attention to Watkins, he urged support as "she needs everything everyone's got [right now]" and informed those close to the vocalist to reach out to him for updates.

TownLift Park City News reports that the van rear-ended the semi-truck on I-80 and that two people were extricated from the wreckage.

Since, a GoFundMe has been launched, eclipsing the $100,000 goal in less than 24 hours. Among that 2,500-plus donations is a sizable contribution from U.K. metalcore vets Architects, who chipped in $5,000.

In the fundraiser's description, Year of the Knife also confirm the injuries sustained by other members. Andy and Aaron Kisielewski both have "broken legs and other trauma," while Brandon Watkins suffered a concussion.

Madi Watkins remains in critical condition as of yesterday afternoon (June 29) and is dealing with "head and spinal injuries and a few broken bones."

The GoFundMe description reads in full:

Hi, we are raising funds for our friends Madi, Brandon, Andy and Aaron who are band members in Year of the Knife. Last night, the band was driving from SLC to Colorado Springs when they collided with an 18-wheeler.
Andy & Aaron both sustained broken legs and other trauma. Brandon is concussed. Madi is in critical condition with head and spinal injuries and a few broken bones.As we wait for additional information on their conditions, we are doing the best we can to alleviate any stress possible.
As you can assume, their touring van is totaled. The van also doubles as Madi and B's sole vehicle so this will impact them in more ways than just touring. Madi and B also run their brand, Candy Corpse, that will continue to fulfill orders but other aspects may be halted for the foreseeable future.
Due to these awful circumstance, we unfortunately have to think of the financial burden this will place on our friends.
If you are able to help in any way, we all greatly appreciate it. We ask that you please share with your family and friends, and please send the 4 of them all the positive thoughts, energy, prayers, anything.
We are so thankful that everyone is alive, but there is a long road ahead of them for recovery. Please consider donating to help with their medical bills and to keep them afoot while they are stuck in SLC.
Thank you in advance.

Donate to Year of the Knife

Loudwire wishes all involved and impacted by this accident well and that Year of the Knife's members make a full recovery.