Jan Berry, of the musical duo Jan and Dean, suffered a severe car accident in his Corvette on April 12, 1966. He sustained serious injuries that led to a long and difficult recovery.
Jan Berry was one half of the pioneering surf rock duo Jan and Dean, who were known for hits like “Surf City” and “Dead Man’s Curve.” On April 12, 1966, Berry was involved in a tragic car accident in his Stingray Corvette, which occurred just a short distance from Dead Man’s Curve in Beverly Hills, California, an eerie coincidence given the duo’s famous song.
Berry was speeding in his Corvette on Whittier Drive when he collided with a parked truck. The impact was devastating, causing severe head injuries and leaving him in a coma for over two months. The accident resulted in lasting physical and neurological damage that affected his speech and mobility. It also halted his music career at its peak.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Berry was determined to return to music. After extensive rehabilitation, he managed to make a remarkable comeback, reuniting with Dean Torrence to perform again. However, the accident had taken its toll, and Berry’s capabilities were significantly diminished. He continued to face health challenges related to the accident for the rest of his life. Jan Berry passed away on March 26, 2004, but his legacy in the music industry endures, and his experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless driving.
