Liverpool indie band and tour manager killed in Arizona car crash

A band from Liverpool have been killed in a car crash in Arizona alongside their tour manager.

Indie duo Her’s had played a gig in Phoenix and were travelling to California when the crash happened early on Wednesday.

Local reports said a total of four people died after a vehicle going the wrong way on Interstate 10 collided with a van carrying three people just after 1am.

Police have not yet named the victims but the band’s record label, Heist or Hit, said Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading were killed alongside tour manager Trevor Engelbrektson.

Her’s were playing 19 gigs in North American tour to “adoring fans” after releasing their debut album last year, the label said.

They had recently performed at the influential South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, and last year were named as ones to watch by The Guardian.

The record label’s statement said: “We are all heartbroken. Their energy, vibrancy and talent came to define our label. As humans, they were warm, gentle and hilarious. Each time they stopped by the office made for an uplifting experience.

“To say they were close would be an underestimation of a friendship that was genuinely beautiful to witness; they loved one another like brothers.

“Musically, Her’s were astonishing. An aptitude for melody, fun, and entertainment combined with a complexity that was as sophisticated as it was stylish.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick was from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, while the other half of the band, Audun Laading, was originally from Kristiansand, Norway. They met while studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

The deadly crash comes three years after another up and coming UK band, Viola Beach, died when their car drove off a bridge in Sweden.

Her’s fans posted tributes to the band on social media.

“I am so heartbroken… her’s brings back so many memories and they were going to do great things…rest in peace,” @hannasodun tweeted.

Another, @ohliveeaugh, wrote: “So crazy and unbelievable- rip to the band her’s Stephen Fitzpatrick, Audun Laading and tour manager Trevor Englebrektson, such a vibrant talented fresh band. So shocked.”

And @_professornash added: “May the lovely boys of Her’s Rest In Peace. Your music has inspired me so much. You will be missed by so many.”