While once performing alongside Ozzy Osbourne during the 1980s, Jake E. Lee also performed with other bands like Badlands. He even helped form the band Red Dragon Cartel in 2013. Continuing to perform and share his love for music with the world, the musician ended up shot near his home in Las Vegas after he confronted two men who supposedly were trying to steal a motorcycle. Firing 15 shots at the musician, Lee survived the incident, taking three bullets. Focusing on his recovery, the guitarist shared updates with fans.
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Posting pictures of his wounds on Facebook, Lee discussed where the second bullet hit him. “The second bullet felt nothing like the first. Whereas the first one was a burning sensation, this one was an impact strong enough to push the air out of my lungs. Like getting hit with a baseball bat. The bullet entered mid back and exited out my left side. It fractured the 10th and 11th ribs and punctured my left lung. It wasn’t something I would consider that painful, much like the first one. On a 1-10 scale maybe a 4.”
While considering being shot not that painful, Lee left the paramedics and doctors stunned by how close the bullet came to hitting his spine. “When the paramedics got to me the first thing they asked was if I could move my legs. They wanted me to show them. They told me a couple times on the way to the hospital how lucky I was. In the ER I was again asked if I could move my legs. They seemed impressed. Over the next couple days whenever a nurse was redressing my wounds I would hear about how close the bullet was to my spine.”
Jake E. Lee Ready To Put The Incident Behind Him
With Lee getting help from his daughter, the musician recalled the recovery process in the hospital. “The lung initially needed a tube in it to drain the blood. Lung is now clear and ribs are almost healed. And yeah, I got relatively lucky with that.”
Although continuing to post about his journey to recovery, fans filled the comments with love and support. “Oh man that’s close! I think someone was looking out for you upstairs man! Wishing you a fast recovery, and all the best for the future! We NEED more music from you!!!”
As for Lee, he hinted at more updates, writing, “Part 3 will deal with the shot through the foot, which yes, felt completely different than the first two. After I document that I will put this incident behind me and focus on the future!”
(Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
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