Benefit concert held for guitarist injured in Fort Worth wrong-way crash

HURST, Texas - A special benefit concert was held in Hurst on Saturday for a man hit by a wrong-way driver earlier this year.

Evan Ranallo and Chelsea Cook got into the wreck just three weeks after getting engaged this October.

The couple was in their truck when they were hit by a wrong-way driver on Loop 820 in Fort Worth. 

Cook did not survive. Ranallo is still recovering in the hospital seven weeks later.

"It's surreal. It's not something you would ever anticipate," said Laurel Summerfield, Cook's mom.

Police say a family of four was in the car that hit the couple. The family's car caught on fire and all four died.

"The chances of what happened, of him surviving, are so low. And with the injuries that he had. So we are so thankful that he made it," said Chris Ranallo, Evan's dad.

Ranallo plays in five different bands. His friends and band community came together to help by throwing Saturday's benefit concert.

"He’s that go-to guy. So we had to figure out a way to be that go-to person for him," said Aaron Allen, one of Ranallo's bandmates.

Ranallo continued to be that "go-to guy" from his hospital bed, calling the bar to help with a technical issue on the concert's livestream.

In addition to the music, there was a silent auction, multiple raffles and t-shirts for sale.

All of the proceeds go to Ranallo to help with his recovery.

"It’s overwhelming, it’s really overwhelming. All the support is incredible," said Kelly Ranallo, Evan's mom.

Over the last seven weeks, Kelli and Chris have switched off spending the night at the hospital with their son.

"When I see this kind of crew of people surrounding him, you know what, I worry less, because look at these people who got his back," Chris said.

Ranallo's family says Evan is itching to get out of the hospital, and they hope he will be able to come home before Christmas.

At the concert, there was a special memory table to honor Cook and her family came to show their support.

"I’m sure she’s finding a way to watch it. I’m sure she’s dancing," said Summerfield.

Summerfield says her daughter had a huge personality and knowing she was loved by so many gives her a sense of peace.

Chelsea Cook

"Chelsea would just be proud of all of this," she said.