Rapper J. Cole canceled his scheduled Sacramento concert after a member of his touring crew was killed in a tragic truck crash while transporting equipment for his tour.
Cole was scheduled to perform at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on Thursday, August 27, as part of his The Fall-Off World Tour. The concert was canceled just hours before showtime following news of the fatal accident.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after 6 a.m. on Interstate 5 in Yolo County, near Woodland. A big rig carrying equipment from Cole’s previous concert in Seattle overturned after the truck reportedly drifted onto the right shoulder and the driver attempted to return to the roadway.
The driver, identified as 66-year-old Jarlath “Chip” Parkinson of Jackson, South Carolina, was the only person inside the truck. He died at the scene.
Authorities said the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. CHP Sgt. David Barker said investigators were considering whether distraction or fatigue may have contributed to the accident.
Following the tragedy, Golden 1 Center announced that Cole’s Sacramento performance would not go forward.
“Following the tragic passing of a member of the touring crew in a trucking accident this morning, J. Cole’s show scheduled tonight, Aug. 27, at Golden 1 Center has been canceled,” the venue said. “Our thoughts are with the crew member’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Live Nation also expressed condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones.
The equipment truck had been traveling from Seattle, where Cole performed Tuesday night, to Sacramento for the next stop on his tour.
Fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster were informed that refunds would be issued automatically. Those who purchased tickets through other outlets were instructed to seek refunds from their original point of purchase. At the time of the cancellation, there was no immediate announcement regarding whether the Sacramento concert would be rescheduled.
The tragedy comes as Cole continues his extensive The Fall-Off World Tour, supporting his latest album, The Fall-Off. The tour is scheduled to continue with additional California performances.
The death of Parkinson, a longtime entertainment trucker, has cast a somber moment over the tour as Cole’s team and fans mourn the loss of a crew member whose work behind the scenes helped bring the artist’s live performances to audiences across the country.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
