The group was en route to a gig in St. Petersburg, FL
Adrenaline Mob, Soto and Trans-Siberian Orchestra bassist David Zablidowsky, better known as David Z, was killed Friday night (July 15th) in an accident in Florida. Zablidowsky was the killed, and six others were injured, when a tractor trailer veered of Interstate 75 near Micanopy and struck the band’s RV and the van with a trailer carrying the group’s equipment.
Gainesville.com says the RV was pulled over on the side of the road to change a flat tire when the accident happened. A total of nine people were in the vehicles with singer Russell Allen, drummer Jordan Cannata and guitarist Mike Orlando listed listed in serious condition at UF Health Shands Hospital and North Florida Regional Medical Center as of Friday night.
The group was heading to a scheduled gig in St. Petersburg, FL when the accident happened. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident, but said the tractor trailer was hauling cooking oil when the driver plowed into the RV which caught fire where Zablidowsky died.
While there has been no official statement from Adrenaline Mob’s team, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has released the following statement via Facebook:
“We are terribly saddened with the passing of our talented friend, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Adrenaline Mob and ZO2 bass player, Dave Z (David Zablidowsky). Dave was so very special to our family and our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave’s family, and all those affected by Friday’s tragic accident.”
Former Adrenaline Mob drummer Mike Portnoy is taking the accident pretty hard. He found out the news following a gig in Germany Friday night.
“I’m really struggling with the death of my friend David Z…while ANY death is sad, horrible and tragic, this one is really hard because it is so incredibly unexpected and shocking…,” Portnoy writes on Facebook.
“I know I always talk about #CarpeDiem (I have it tattooed on my arm), but this is a perfect example of remembering to thank & love the people in your life every day as they can be unexpectedly taken at any moment.
I remember seeing a post of David from the AMOB tour yesterday morning and how much fun he looked to be having.
“Little did any of us know it would be his last night on Earth… And that can happen to ANY OF US…at ANY MOMENT….
“I’ve spent the last 12 hours crying in disbelief…but maybe it’s a good time to remember the FUN that David always had. The first few times we hung out (in the ZRock/Z02 days along w his brother Paulie Z & Joey Cassata) I’ve never laughed so hard in my life….
“David also loved making goofy video spoofs…and here is a hilarious one he made while we were touring together last year in South America (The Winery Dogs and Jeff S Soto). In between the tears, take a few minutes to watch this and remember the smile he always had (and also put on our faces).”
Many other rockers have taken to social media to express their thoughts.
4:30am here in Germany & I still can't process this…@zo2david was such a sweet soul & great talent. I'm heartbroken ? #RIPDavidZ pic.twitter.com/OmrbCixINI
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) July 15, 2017
Crushed to have confirmed David Z of ZO2, @trans_siberian & @AdrenalineMob has died in today's accident. Friend, great guy & musician..
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) July 15, 2017
. @NYDailyNews story on David Z. Still can't process this. #RIPDavidZ https://t.co/0zoimEDsNL
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) July 15, 2017
RIP my bassist and brother David Z, irreplaceable in every sense of the word, I will cherish our lifetime of memories!! pic.twitter.com/Rbkfh4FHNV
— Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) July 15, 2017
https://www.facebook.com/sebastianbach/posts/10155570248184809
So sad to hear about the passing of my bro, David Z. Dave was a great guy with an infectious laugh and a good… https://t.co/ck7HWfAZ8o
— FOZZY (@FOZZYROCK) July 15, 2017
GOD BLESS DAVID "Z" ZABLIDOWSKY – Condolences & Prayers of STRENGTH & LIGHT To His FAMILY & Our ADRENALINE MOB BROTHERS – tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/ghxrYjiPxW
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) July 15, 2017
On behalf of the Megadeth Family, I'd like to send our thoughts & prayers to the friends & family of David Z, & the injured in Adrenalin Mob
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) July 15, 2017