HB Abels, a front-of-house audio engineer who traveled to Louisville to work at this year’s ‘Louder Than Life’ festival, is reportedly in critical condition following a multi-vehicle crash that occurred while he was on his way to the event.
According to a report from WLKY, Abels had traveled from Arizona to Louisville to work with Soil during the festival. He was riding in an Uber headed toward the festival grounds when the crash occurred, and his family says he was subsequently ejected from the vehicle.
Abels’ mother, Elizabeth Abels, told WLKY that she was initially informed of the crash with disbelief and shock.
“My first reaction was disbelief and shock.”
According to Abels’ friend Rebecca Martos, the audio engineer had spent years establishing himself within the music industry and had recently begun working with increasingly prominent acts.
Martos said Abels was particularly excited about his growing opportunities, including an invitation to join another tour as a bassist following his work at the festival.
“It’s not easy in the music industry. He has built himself up over very, very many years of hard work to be a sought-after front-of-house audio engineer. And he started doing bigger and bigger bands.”
Martos also said Abels never made it to the festival that day and that the family was told the collision involved three vehicles.
Abels remains hospitalized in critical condition, with his mother traveling to Louisville to be with him. Martos said she is currently the only family member able to make medical decisions on his behalf.
“The injuries he sustained are serious. His mother, Betsy Abels, is the only family member who can make medical decisions for him, so she needs to be at his bedside.”
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from musicians, bands and others who have worked with Abels throughout his career. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help his mother with travel expenses and allow her to remain near her son during his hospitalization.
Martos said the response from the music community reflects the relationships Abels has built throughout his career.
“The bands that he’s touched, the people that he has touched — it’s no surprise that people are trying to help because he has helped so many people.”
For Abels’ mother, the immediate priority remains being with her son.
“I just feel that I want to be with him and tell him I love him with all of my heart.”
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