"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bill 'Uncle Bill' Douglas. Members of our tour are like members of our family," read a message released by Miley and her family.
- Nov 21, 2009
AceShowbiz - Miley Cyrus and her family are quick to respond to breaking news regarding the accident happened to one of her four tour buses that killed its driver Bill Douglas. In a statement posted on the actress-singer's website, they share their heartfelt support and prayers for the family of the so-called "Uncle Bill".
Bill, whose real name is William G. Douglas, 53, of Austin, Texas, died at the scene when the bus he was driving ran off the left side of Interstate 85 in Virginia, struck an embankment and overturned. The accident occurred at around 8:15 A.M. Friday, November 20 in Dinwiddie County, about 40 miles south of Richmond. Speed and weather weren't considered factors.
The bus, according to reports, was making its way from Long Island, N.Y., where Miley performed two-show stint Wednesday and Thursday, to Greensboro, N.C., where the Disney star is scheduled to perform on Sunday, November 22. It was carrying nine passengers when the accident happened. All of them escaped the crashed bus through the front windshield.
Miley was not traveling with the group by the time the crash took place, authorities have confirmed. She reportedly hopped a plane to Nashville to spend some down time at home before her next concert. As of the press time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Addressing the accident, Miley and her family have issued a statement later that day that read, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bill 'Uncle Bill' Douglas. Members of our tour are like members of our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in the midst of this tragedy. He will truly be missed."
A report from the accident scene, in the meantime, can be seen in the below video.
