Singer-Songwriter Still In Critical Condition After Sonoma Co. Crash

The family of singer-songwriter Norman Greenbaum said he is still in critical condition after he was injured in a collision between a vehicle and motorcycle west of Santa Rosa on Saturday afternoon.

Greenbaum, 72, of Santa Rosa, known for his huge 1969 hit, “Spirit in the Sky,” is at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital following the crash around 3:20 p.m. Saturday.

Greenbaum’s family initially did not want to disclose information about his condition, but released a statement Wednesday.

“We are humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support we and Norman have received. At this time he remains in critical condition. Doctors and nurses are doing everything possible, and we continue to hope for a strong recovery. Please keep Norman in your thoughts and prayers,” the family said.

Greenbaum was a passenger in a 2002 Subaru Outback driven by 62-year-old Bonita Kay Perea, of Santa Rosa.

The Subaru was traveling east on Occidental Road when Perea turned left on Piezzi Road without seeing a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle heading west on Occidental, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The front of the motorcycle collided with the right side of the Subaru, killing the driver, Ihab Usama Halaweh, 20, of Santa Rosa.

The motorcycle passenger, Nhmia Mekonnen Kahsay, 20, was critically injured in the crash and also was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, CHP officials said. Greenbaum was riding in the right front seat of the Subaru. Perea was not injured.

--Bay City News

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