Kevin Costner to Aid Big Valley Jamboree Disaster Victims

Actor/musician Kevin Costner plans on returning to Alberta to aid those who suffered when an outdoor stage collapsed during a performance at Big Valley Festival in Camrose, Alberta. Canada. The tragedy occurred amid a severe thunderstorm that resulted in the death of one person and dozens more being injured.

In a statement made Monday (08/03), the Dances with Wolves star stated, "We are so sad about the loss of life and injury that occurred on a day that carried so much promise, but turned so wicked so quickly,"

"We hope to return to Alberta in the future to help with the healing."

Costner's group, Modern West, was the next band slated to don the stage when a vicious storm ravaged the site.

The intense winds collapsed the main stage so swiftly that festival personal did not have time to warn or clear the crowd. Though thousands of fans scrambled to safety, many others were caught in the wreckage.

35-year-old Donna Moore died when part of the public address system collapsed, crushing her and critically injuring 2 others. Dozens of other crowd members were also treated for injuries.

According to Kostner's publicist, Arnold Robinson, the two-time Oscar winner was on the stage when it buckled and was pinned under some rubble, but avoided injury. 2 of his crew members, however, incurred minor injuries.

"My understanding is that they sustained cuts and bruising," Robinson said. "Kevin went to the hospital with (them); they were treated and released, and he did visit with others that were injured while there."

Robinson says that the star is willing to give further aid, "In the event that there is any type of benefit to support the victims, he would hope to be a part of it."

Among those injured, was country singer Billy Currington who was finishing the last song of his set when the stage collapsed on top of him, leaving the star with a minor concussion.

Currington's bassist, Alex Stevens, was trapped under the wreckage for over a ½ hour before rescuers finally freed him. He has undergone surgery on his left arm and is currently recuperating in Nashville.

An inquiry into the festival tragedy is currently being held by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. No official statement has yet been released pending further investigation.

Kevin Costner and his band Modern Life had been touring to promote their 2008 CD release Untold Truths.

Rob Rheubottom