Radiohead Accident: Drum Tech Scott Johnson Killed In Toronto Stage Collapse, Band Releases Statement

Just hours before Radiohead was scheduled to hit the stage at Downsview Park in Toronto, the stage itself hit the ground.

According to Rolling Stone, Radiohead was not onstage when the "scaffolding-type structure collapsed," but the incident Saturday did claim the life of the band's drum tech, Scott Johnson.

Toronto fire captain Mike Strapko told CNN that the stage structure, which reached 40 to 60 feet above the main stage area, collapsed while Johnson and several others were setting up for the concert around 4 p.m.

While Johnson, 33, was the only fatality, three other crew members also sustained injuries. There were no strong winds or other dangerous weather conditions at the time of the accident, authorities said.

Radiohead drummer Philip Selway posted a statement on the band's website mourning his former drum tech.

"We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our friend and colleague. He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love are with Scott's family and all those close to him."

The accident happened one hour before the gates were set to open to 40,000 ticketholders. The sold-out show was scheduled as the final date in Radiohead's North American Tour.

Radiohead has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been ranked significantly high on both listener polls and critics' lists.

In 2005, Radiohead was ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time," while band members Ed O'Brien and Jonny Greenwood were both included in Rolling Stone's list of greatest guitarists. Front man Thom Yorke also made their list of all-time greatest singers.