Travis Barker, the renowned drummer of the band Blink-182, recently marked a significant personal achievement. He celebrated his 30th flight since the devastating plane crash in 2008 that had kept him grounded for over a decade. This milestone is a testament to his resilience and the healing power of love, as he credits his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, for helping him overcome his fear of flying.
In September 2008, Barker was on a private plane bound for Van Nuys, California. As the plane prepared for takeoff, a loud bang echoed through the cabin. The pilots received word that a tire had blown. Barker, recalling the harrowing incident, said, "I opened a door, and my hands caught fire. I ran to get out of the plane, but I fell through a wing. I immediately soaked up with jet fuel and caught fire."
Barker and Adam Goldstein were the only survivors of the crash that claimed the lives of the pilots, Barker's personal assistant Chris Baker, and his security detail, Che Still. Barker spent 11 weeks in hospitals and burn centers, undergoing 16 surgeries, numerous skin grafts, and blood transfusions. The trauma of the crash left Barker with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and he avoided flying for over a decade.
Barker's fear of flying predated the crash, but it was only in 2021, after he met Kardashian, that he took his first flight in over a decade. Barker's recent Instagram post celebrated his 30th flight since the crash, a significant milestone in his journey of healing and recovery. He wrote, "Just flew for the 30th time since my plane crash. Wouldn't be able to tour or enjoy life again the way I do without the healing love of my amazing wife. I love you."
Barker's journey to overcome his fear of flying is a testament to his resilience and the power of love and support in the healing process. His ability to face his fears and reclaim his life is an inspiring story of triumph over trauma. As he continues to tour and make music, Barker's story serves as a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the power of love in the face of adversity.