Josh Owens, star of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, was injured in a motorcycle accident on March 27th, 2021. The accident happened on Main Street in Daytona Beach, Florida, during the annual Bike Week event.
Owens was riding his motorcycle when he collided with another bike. He suffered multiple injuries, including a broken shoulder, a broken rib, and a collapsed lung. Owens was rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he underwent surgery to repair his injuries.
The news of Owens’ accident shocked fans of Moonshiners, who were in disbelief that their favorite reality TV star had been involved in such a serious accident. Owens is a beloved figure on the show, known for his expertise in all things moonshine, and his love of motorcycles.
After news of his accident was made public, fans of both Moonshiners and Owens flooded social media with messages of support and well-wishes. Many fans took to Twitter, using the hashtag #PrayforJoshOwens to show their support.
Moonshiners, which follows the lives of a group of people making illegal moonshine in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, has aired on Discovery Channel since 2011. Owens, who joined the cast in 2013, has become one of the show’s most popular stars, known for his unique personality, his passion for moonshine, and his love of motorcycles.
Despite the seriousness of Owens’ injuries, he has remained upbeat throughout his recovery process. In a statement released by his publicist, Owens thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to keep watching the show.
“I’m doing okay,” Owens said. “I’m in a lot of pain, but I’m hanging in there. I just want to thank everyone for their messages of support. It means a lot to me.”
Owens also took to social media to update fans on his progress, sharing photos of himself in the hospital, and thanking the medical staff who had treated him. In a tweet posted on April 1st, Owens wrote “Feeling a little better today. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I’m ready to get back to making moonshine and riding motorcycles!”
Fans of Moonshiners have been eagerly awaiting Owens’ return to the show, and it is unclear when he will be able to resume filming. However, Owens has stated that he is determined to get back on his feet as soon as possible, and is excited to continue making moonshine and riding his beloved motorcycles.
The accident has also raised questions about motorcycle safety, particularly during events like Bike Week in Daytona Beach. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants. In Florida, which has one of the highest numbers of motorcycle fatalities in the country, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years.
In response to the increasing number of motorcycle fatalities, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has launched a statewide safety campaign called “Share the Road”. The campaign encourages drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road, and to give them enough space to maneuver safely.
In addition to safety campaigns, there are also steps that motorcyclists can take to protect themselves. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury or death in a motorcycle crash. Other safety tips include wearing protective clothing, using turn signals, and observing speed limits.
As Josh Owens continues his recovery, he serves as a reminder of the risks that motorcyclists take every time they hit the road. However, his determination to get back on his feet and continue doing what he loves is an inspiration to his fans and fellow riders alike. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on our screens soon.