August 25-26, 1990 Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI

After the second show had ended, the plan was for Stevie to take a two-hour drive back to his Chicago hotel with his brother Jimmie and sister-in-law, Connie, but at the last minute he chose to board a Bell 206B Jet Ranger, one of four helicopters waiting nearby. According to his New York City publicist, Charles Comer, Vaughan had learned from Clapton's manager that there were seats enough to accommodate all three in his party. When he found only one place was actually available, Vaughan said to Connie and Jimmie, "Do you mind if I take the seat? I really need to get back."

The helicopter, owned by Omni Flight Helicopters Inc., took off in dense fog enroute to Chicago's Midway Airport around 12.40am with Stevie, pilot Jeffrey Brown, Bobby Brooks, Clapton's Hollywood agent; Clapton's assistant tour manager, Colin Smythe; and Clapton's bodyguard, Nigel Browne onboard. They crashed into a hill shortly before 1am, killing all instantly.

Clapton and Robert Cray, were in another helicopter, which landed safely in Chicago.

After the helicopter was reported missing, the Civil Air Patrol discovered the wreckage in a field the next morning. A search for the lost copter wasn't begun until 5am, more than four hours later, after an orbiting search-and-rescue satellite picked up the craft's emergency-locator transmitter signal. At 7am searchers found the five bodies.

Later that morning Clapton and Jimmie Vaughan were summoned by the Walworth County coroner to identify the bodies.

Eric issued a statement through his spokesman, Ronnie Lippin, saying that the victims "were my companions, my associates and my friends", and adding, "This is a tragic loss of some very special people".

Eric Clapton Setlist (25th):

Eric Clapton Setlist (26th):

On the 26th, the concert ended with a 20 minute encore jam of "Sweet Home Chicago" featuring Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray.