Erik Estrada's (CHiPs) On- SET Motorcycle Accident ALMOST Took His Life! Did You Know?

[@GalacticTE]

Just met Erik yesterday at a Comic con, he told me about this crash when I asked about the Roller Disco episode, he said he was gonna have a roller disco dance scene, but he had this wreck the day before so he didn’t get to do it, he was really nice, I told him I was glad he is ok and he shook my hand and said thanks so much, he showed me his wrist, said he almost died

[@ricknineg]

Very very true. Cool man!

[@ToniHunterOne]

So that wasn't Erik on the Disco floor?

[@randytim512]

Wow! That's a shame that he got hurt so bad. All those broken ribs and 2 collapsed lungs. Filming that show carried more risks than we knew about . Thanks for sharing Rick

[@blinko656]

Just met him he his a CLASS act. ..5/8/2022.

[@Voyager23B]

Thanks for the great videos, Rick! You are awesome!

[@ricknineg]

You betcha!

[@johnm1414]

I knew about the accident only because Erik Estrada explained it in detail in his book. It was a serious accident and I'm glad he came through it ok.

[@joeybarrelwilde]

This is when Larry Wilcox said he had a Vietnam War flashback, he saw that Eric was dying. And, it reminded him of what he saw in the war with people dying. I remember watching that on Television.

[@tomjoad1363]

Wilcoc was in the navy. On a boat.

[@valstanford3676]

@@tomjoad1363No Larry Wilcox was a marine. 5:48

[@brendastepp5896]

Larry was a marine.

[@RichWeigel]

@@tomjoad1363 Nope he was Marine that actually saw combat during the Tet Offensive. Has the combat ribbon to prove. Now what say you!

[@lorih2924]

Erik did have an out of body experience. Other people have had the same experience. He’s a living miracle. As a Christian I know there is a heaven and a hell. I’m glad it wasn’t his time to go yet.

[@amyholley4331]

AMEN and I agree!

[@thisisme5487]

How do you know there's a Heaven and Hell?

[@anthonystrazza4586]

Really earth energy is very low so technically we’re living in hell

[@rollotomasi9403]

Waaaay over there is where you go with that bs.

[@larrysherrod8138]

This happened while filming the episode "Roller Disco".Season 3 2-hour premiere episode but was actually the 6th episode filmed for the season.If you know the episode,Ponch does not appear until 10-15 minutes into it,and he is virtually missing from the last 10-15 minutes as well.Generally the entire Roller Disco event,except for the very last couple of minutes.Scenes where they would say "Ponch is over there",it is from behind,clearly using a stand-in in his place,Erik Estrada had been practicing for his own Roller Disco dance scene like his disco dance scene from the season 2 premiere,but,alas,it was never to happen.Thank you for these videos Rick! God Bless!!!!

[@glorygracek.1841]

Poor guy all that work in practicing and then not get to do it! That HAD to be disappointing!!

[@miklosernoehazy8678]

@@glorygracek.1841 ...however, he did get to dance a tango with Elvira, Mistress of the Dark in another episode... 🕸️🕷️🎃🦇☺️

[@jimmysapien9961]

Oh yea

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@miklosernoehazy8678 so did Dracula 🧛‍♂️

[@andresdrake4422]

you all prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@spoondaddy80]

I seem to recall a later episode where Ponch almost dies in an accident and is in an oxygen tent. His real life accident must have inspired the story.

[@pdennis93]

Iirc that was actually a direct result of Erik's accident. They wrote an accident into the episode so he could be filmed during his recovery.

[@DucatiPaso750]

From an interview I heard from Larry Wilcox (who rode in the ambulance with Estrada) per doctors, the outlook was so grim, Estrada was expected to pass away that same day of the accident.

[@christopherkraft1327]

WoW!!! I don't remember hearing about this at the time but it sounds to me like he really did have a near death, out of body experience! Again, wow!! Thanks Rick for this thought provoking video! 😷

[@ricktanega472]

While I was coming out of anasthesia after major surgery, I saw & heard my family members comforting me,,, but I THOUGHT they were on the TV. 😎 Thank you for your work.

[@wetoolow8750]

Funny thing is that I just had surgery 2 months ago. When I finally regained my bearings after the anesthesia, the nurse asked me if I remembered all of the instructions the surgeon went over with me. I didn't. Supposedly, I had a full articulate conversation with the doctor, but didn't recall any of it.

[@ToniHunterOne]

​@@wetoolow8750That's happened to me several times after surgeries

[@jonskinner3940]

I believe his out of body experience. I'm so glad he recovered.

[@CurtisDrew1]

Been there twice in my Active Life. I'm now about to turn 70 YO and crashed my motorcycle in the 70's so bad I lay in a field for several minutes and listened to the butterflies wings flap over me. Could hear the soft breezes through the weeds/ plant growth. As I laid there I started to think I must be dead, NO fear, no pain, but after a bit there was a faint sound of an angry bumble bee next to my head , getting louder and louder. As I thought about it, I realized that I was not breathing so I decided to try. And that's when the pain hit me. That angry bumble bee was my 2 stroke motorcycle running wide open throttle right next to my head. I reached over, in a lot of pain, and hit the kill switch on the handle bars. Then a riding buddy came running up and started yelling at me to comeback. He assesed my injuries and helped me get comfortable. Then rode to the highway to flag down help. Second time was an out of body experience much like Eric described. Was in a Hospital bed. Went into resperatory arrest. The Nurse jumed on top of me and began CPR and Mouth to mouth until others came to help. I was in the corner of the room at ceiling level. My friend from Jr High School walked up and stood next to me. He had died 10 years earlier from Cancer. I recognized him right away. I could feel a big gate behind me and was very comforted by it. Was ready to turn around and walk through it when my friend David shook his head gently and pointed to my body laying in the bed. I objected, saying I'm obviously dead and I'm ready to go. He shook his head "NO" again and pointed again. And in an instant I was back in my body looking up into the eyes of the Nurse trying to save my life. I am a Christian and have had many close brushes with death. Should have died many times. But these were the 2 times I was sent back to finish my job. What that job is, I don't know! I am even a Cancer Survivor. 6 weeks from diagnosis to cured. (Kidney) My only prayer was God's will be done! 3.5 years later and I'm still blowing and going. Going to post this so maybe it will be read by someone who needs hope! God Bless!

[@phillywhateverguy]

Thanks for sharing. Its interesting

[@HIPCHIP]

Eric had been in the UCLA Med Center and was bored out of his mind. He got dressed and snuck out of the hospital and drove down Sunset Blvd. He saw me in my CHP patrol car and flagged me down. I knew Eric previously so we chatted for a bit before he went back to the hospital. He seemed OK and just wanted to get out, and talking to a Chippy helped him. He really supports the department.

[@VMEMotor5]

That is awesome.

[@karla-ni3bv]

When did you see him

[@terryhawkins5585]

I AM REALLY GLAD HES OK AND DOING WELL

[@gailwatson4927]

That was a scary accident, I am so glad he survived.

[@jimmysapien9961]

What did the driver say afterwards ???

[@anicagray5268]

I would have cried if I was on chips and if I was on the bike with him

[@wjgraham63]

I would totally agree that this happened. I had surgery that went terribly wrong. It is said that I had actually died while in the operation. I was asked the same questions, what did I see? What happened? I just know that I was in ICU for a week in a induced coma. Trying to save my life. The nurse (not the doctor) told my wife that I would not make through the night. You can imagine what happened after that. Anyway, woke up several days later in a dark room with several bags hanging and tubes in my arm and a lung tube sticking in me. And no one around. Going what the hell happened?!? So yes, I do believe what he reported was true.

[@amyholley4331]

Ty for sharing this with us. I never knew about this, and never knew that Larry was a Vietnam veteran. But I do remember seeing him as a soldier on Mash.

[@davebowrin7361]

I had a Trooper friend of mine who was killed on duty and he was a Motor Officer. He was responding to a shots fired called during the DC Sniper shootings time frame. When I think about cops on Motors the CHIPS thing reminds me how much they put their lives on the line. And even more so when they are open to the elements on a Motor. CHIPS was a great show. 👍

[@caroled.7467]

So sorry for your loss, Dave. Our CHP and police officers work so hard and often pay the ultimate price. Yes, it was a great show and I enjoy the reruns on the classic channels that carry it.

[@LT-je2sz]

Does anyone know after which scene in the Roller Disco episode this accident happened? Was it in part 1 or part 2?

[@lew832]

I liked chips. I am still watching it in 2020 and it still gives me a buzz. Eric and Larry did a good job as did the rest of the cast. I did not know Eric had the accident and I am glad he is still around today. Loved the bikes, the uniforms and the chases. Good shows . Mike, UK.

[@no.1kickboxing226]

I'm also a big fan in the UK and i allways wacht it to

[@Jared_Wignall]

I did not hear about this, though it’s good to know he was fine. Thanks for the video Rick!

[@ToniHunterOne]

He was.t fine. He recovered.

[@miltmarhoffer729]

Hey rick. Great job!!! I have loved this show ever since the prmier in the fall of 1977 right after graduating high school. My opinion???? I think it was DEFINITELY an out of body experience

[@ddavenpAZ]

Great work as always Rick! One question though. The pictures that you used in this video, were they taken during the accident or were they taken from another episode but used in this video to help recreate the accident? Regardless, glad everybody was ok in the end.

[@ricknineg]

Used to help recreate it. Footage in instances like this is usually destroyed esp back then. Now, they’d say it for DVD extra features

[@ddavenpAZ]

rick nineg Thank you for the clarification. Makes sense. And on that note, great use of the photos you did use, as they do provide a good visual in one's mind about the events that took place. 👍

[@annecohen8927]

He was in a coma . My aunt was in a coma after her heart stopped and the fact she had been over-sedated Eric Estrada must have made a remarkable recovery after what seemed to be almost, a fatal accident.

[@nimbly1693]

I have a signed picture of Larry Wilcox, Erik Estrada, and Robert Pine I got on ebay (they are pretty cheap). I don't really watch the show anymore, but it is what got me into motorcycles when I was a kid.

[@sandrasanders706]

I remember hearing about Estrada's accident on the radio..it was shocking to hear.

[@glendagleaton7875]

Thank God Erik was saved being an actor and doing your own stunts is really dangerous

[@WarEagleTimeMachine]

It is funny you made a video about this subject. We've been watching Chips lately and I was thinking about this accident and was just googling about it the two days ago. At the time it was a big deal, although if you wanted to get the scoop you had to get it from the National Enquirer or the Sun tabloids. There was no TMZ or Reddit, and in the national newspapers it was relegated to a couple of paragraphs in the Entertainment section. I seemed to recall they had footage of the accident, but I could not find anything online.

[@Teewriter]

WarEagleTimeMachine it was a big deal. Everyone saying they don’t remember it. I didn’t even watch chips and I remember hearing about it.

[@ricknineg]

Now, you’ve got the full story. 😃

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@ricknineg The Rickster!

[@VMEMotor5]

They were filming it for the show, but AFAIK, the footage has never been made public.

[@melvinburwell8202]

I remember hearing about this. Used to see them filming occasionally in my hometown Pacoima. 🙏🙏

[@sheldonk5747]

I believe it could be possible. You hear so much about people having that outer body experience. I believe a lot of things are possible so I try to keep a very open mind to it.

[@SunShine-zo7of]

I'm overjoyed to know he recovered from this accident, and i must give thanks to Larry Wilcox for being there to assist him. i do believe Erik was having an out of body experience. Nobody knows when it's our time only the Lord knows and he was present with Erik on that day...

[@adventureswithmymother]

I myself am christian therefore I do believe in an afterlife mabey he did “step into eternity” as you said it

[@VMEMotor5]

I do believe he had an out of body experience. I also believe that without Larry Wilcox's fast action, Erik Estrada would have died that day. I was such a huge fan of this show and I was only 9 at the time. I remember seeing the news story on TV about it that evening. I was scared for my hero.

[@bandpassmess]

My dad had surgery only to wake up watching a group of people sticking needles and pounding on a man laying on a table he was like wow in the corner of the room on the ceiling looking down . When he woke up asking his surgeon what happened to the guy that was in the room they were beating on DR ASKED WHAT HE SEEN HE DESCRIBES THE MACHINE AND THE SCREAMING AND NEEDLES BEING POKED. DR HESITATED AND TOLD HIM THEY LOST HIM FOR 6 minutes. The world is not what it seems to be .

[@lisafields3403]

Im so glad he made it through he was my favorite person on this show loved Chips

[@ricknineg]

So so true

[@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM]

I was wondering what happened to him. I was watching Chips right now and saw his arm was all messed up and scabbed over and knew it must have been something pretty bad. At least 2 episodes I saw, they try to hide it but it gets in the camera every now and then.

[@wudaddy]

Must've been season 1. Erik said he was still an amateur and had some spills.

[@pdennis93]

Season 3 actually.

[@cherokeekid9491]

In return of the super cycle, you can see Erik in the oygen tent. If I remember correctlythat they filmed his scenes in his hospital room.

[@22230956]

If he was in the hospital for 5 days then, he would've gotten sent to an iCare for 20 minutes and released if it happened today. Boy how things have changed.

[@toastnjam7384]

I was driving down Paxton St when I saw a film crew in small alley with a couple of Highway Patrol motorcycles and assumed they were filming an episode of CHiPs. Later that night I saw a news report on the accident. The location of that alley is off Paxton St just north of Herrick Ave in Pacoima.

[@billmonson9986]

I had similar visions as erik did, I'm 51, 6'6", 529 pounds. I had blood clot in my lungs and also had pneumonia. they immediately sent me to surgery. When I was coming out of surgery the numbing agents that they used when they went into remove the clots affected me for 7-10 days, I had visual and hearing halluncations. like a dream like state. you can't hear but you can read their minds, you cant taste, you cant get up and walk, you can only float from one place after another. that really scared me. The doctor told me they had to stop surgery or i would of died on the table.

[@sbruce7536]

So true! Been there, it’s really beautiful and peaceful and you have a choice I felt.

[@dangell8984]

He was actually in the hospital for 3 months. Not 5 days.

[@simonsimon8572]

Erik was the star of the show

[@v.nikkijohnson]

I don't believe that Erik Estrada necessarily almost "crossed over," but I do think that he had that out of body experience.

[@slevinkelevra5901]

7 mary 3 and 4 😎😍😎😍😎😍😎😍

[@horacesubayar794]

Rick, I absolutely believe him because I had a similar experience when I had my motorcycle accident.

[@pointingdog7235]

I've had this happen to me after I had a motorcycle accident when I was 19. I remember watching myself being put under anesthesia and fighting with the Doctor and OR staff to leave me alone.

[@k.s.333]

One of my favorite childhood shows. Currently rewatching season 1. In the closing credits to "Undertow" you can see Estrada get an elbow to the head which doesn't look scripted.

[@wudaddy]

Nope, normal contact playing basketball.

[@juliemcarthur3004]

Thank god he survived

[@dougc190]

I don't know if it's from that accident, but I one of the episodes you can see in gnarly scab on Erik Estrada's left arm, I think was from another accident maybe. I can't remember it's on the DVD I have somewhere

[@youtubefilmvisionary67]

I watched CHIPS all the time!...I remember that Accident in 1979...those are Big powerful Bikes to

[@PaulTesta]

Wow! What a story! Never watched CHiP's on TV, but that is unbelievable! Sounds like EE had an eschatological experience...😇 Paul

[@ricknineg]

Def eschatological

[@PaulTesta]

@@ricknineg Relating to death, judgment and the final destiny of the soul.

[@kenvaughan6694]

All I can say is I absolutely loved that show!! I remember it premiered back in 1978 when I was in the 8th grade at Clear Lake Junior Highschool I loved all the cast And ever so often I pull out my DVD collection and watch 'em all By the way, the actor who played Grossman, Jerry O'Linke, his father was a producer for The Andy Griffith show, Richard O'Linke

[@YABUKIJOE2077]

Motorcycle accidents happen fast. I felt the same as they described it

[@tilliemaekirk9444]

Thanks Rick, your posts are so interesting. I never heard about this accident before. I believe stepped into eternity.

[@amtcat1]

Thanks to Larry Wilcox for saving Erik Estrada life.....It is said whenever someone is dying, their loved ones who have passed away come to lead them into their next journey.

[@paganwolf5951]

WOW! I didn't know about this till now. I definitely believe he almost "crossed over". I'm very 😊 he made it back to spend some more time with us!

[@shawnhumphreys9261]

I still watch this show. It comes on a channel called charge at 3 pm and they play back to back episodes until 6pm. I grew up watching this show it’s still my favorite show

[@cccccc5398]

WoW. I'm still trying. I have been in some very serious accidents, like 14 broken bones and a punctured lung, not remembering the accident yet waking up in the hospital. So...yes....I believe he actuly did do that. I never have, like I said still trying. Anyway, I did like chips a lot, my favorite episode is when Edward McMahon jr. Was in the episode....very good one....

[@chrissyramos8214]

First I’d like to say that chips is one of my favorite tv shows , I think he had a out of body experience .

[@darlingsanguinetti7285]

After the accident he lawsuit and won 7 million dollars

[@jodygolden5011]

I believe in that you can leave your body as it happened to me during nose surgery being under for over 6 hrs. I saw myself looking down while I was on the operating table out of it. It was the craziest thing ever.

[@mikehagan4320]

Estrada's story could just be Marketing. Trying to get press. Or it could be very much True as he related it. The Human mind and the Universe are Amazing things. I'm Willing to give him the benefit of any doubt. Either way I'm Glad he Survived the Incident! Another good video! Best Wishes! M.H.

[@lorrainebuchberger9155]

I believe he had one out of body experience because I did.

[@joshualee7006]

What episode was it though?

[@joegreen268]

Roller Disco

[@theodeslewis5261]

Wow...I didn't know this...good story...so glad he come out of this ok...I love CHIPS...

[@ronlheureux7623]

Decided to ask the internet experts, huh? The emergency room doctors and surgeons can only ever speculate. The neurologists do say that when someone sees a bright light that it's the nervous system shutting down, affecting the optic nerves.

[@rjlewis9999]

I’d want to have a contract clause stating that a professional motorcycle stuntman double does the stunt work.

[@carlalinton1005]

Carla Linton. I'm so glad that Erik Estrada survived. That makes me so proud.

[@pie4977]

Which episode was this

[@donnicholas7552]

Wow! That's freaky! Sounds like he really did have a near-death experience.

[@silverss396chevelle]

I vividly remember when this happened, and how they wrote it into the show.

[@glorygracek.1841]

What episode was that?

[@joegreen268]

@@glorygracek.1841 Roller Disco

[@jimtomassetti4817]

I believe Rick this happened. I have seen strange Encounter's were people think you nut's! But yes I do believe Eric... That this really happend!

[@carloscarpinteyro332]

I believe that Erik's experience was real. You may want to see a movie called "Beyond and Back". I remember seeing it when it came out in the theatres in late 1978, as I recall. Movie not on DVD, to my knowledge. An independent movie company, Sunn Classic Pictures from Los Angeles, Ca. produced it. Whether you believe, or not, the movie was done in an unbiased, investigative style that encouraged the viewer to come to their own conclusion of the content presented. Erik would frequent a bank that my wife worked at, in the San Fernando Valley, in the late 80's to early 90's. She would wait on him and said that he was always very, very kind and polite.

[@arlenewright-ib4rq]

Any video of this crash?

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Thanks Rick.

[@ROXI-zq4fg]

Wow never knew about this. Yes I believe his experience was real ❤ So comforting to know too!

[@phillipsmith4501]

I believe him I don't care what anyone else said untile you have experienced it it is truely a life changing experience go Erick Estrada fond memories cheers no 1 fan Sydney Australia

[@indigowolf556]

Definitely an out-of-body experience for sure astral projection. What a very scary thing to have happen. You go to work like every normal day and you never know what's going to happen. Even at home you just never know why we should take each day as it comes and make the best of it. I do believe that he was going towards the light and that he did see family who had passed on but for whatever reason he wasn't supposed to go just yet. Thank you for sharing that dramatic and amazing story with us.

[@mockbattles]

Which episode?

[@Californiansurfer]

Didn’t know. Today, I work in Jeffersonvill Indiana and when police pull me over, they ask are you Erick Estrada , priceless. He is an officer in Indiana ….. sometimes, they want an autograph…. I remember one day, we had.a party and I was hung over and was at Mcdondals and all the eimolyes said, its him, its him.. I said what? It’s George lopez. Ya, i was wasted. There is no menudo in Indiana , so you can feel my pain…. Downey California

[@juliemitchell3794]

He definitely momentarily "crossed over". He knew it wasn't his time so he was able to will himself (his spirit self) back into his mortal self. How terribly irresponsible the crew was that day!!! Then again maybe this was a learning experience of some sort for Erik... Great that he survived🙏

[@wudaddy]

Yes, the crew should get a lot of the blame. According to Erik, they'd already done several takes of that sequence, but they still wanted one more.

[@deniseboldea1624]

Good Lord! What was the director thinking?🤤 Come to think of it, there was at least one episode I recall where Ponch was in the hospital, I wonder if it was connected.

[@deniseboldea1624]

@@Orrymain1 Thanks, its been awhile since I watched the series.

[@chollythecrazycorgihesinsa6505]

Gave me a chill Rick

[@danimojoe8563]

If out of body experiences really happen. Then the state of cal would impose taxes on one and declare that having out of body experiences cause cancer and then give you a ticket for not having a permit for such action

[@robertlombardi2228]

What season and episode was Eric’s mishap in. Was it ever aired? I know hospital-scenes were incorporated into later episodes.

[@joegreen268]

Season 3 episode Roller Disco

[@robertlombardi2228]

@@joegreen268 was Any footage of the actual accident used in CHIPS?

[@joegreen268]

@@robertlombardi2228 No it wasn’t. I know Cy Chermak the producer of the show said it would never see the light of day. Not to be morbid or rude but I bet it exists somewhere and I would like to view it.

[@robertlombardi2228]

@@joegreen268 thanks for sharing your insight on this matter.

[@kathleenreilly7228]

Happy birthday Erik Estrada and many more of them

[@terryhawkins5585]

I LIKE THE T.V SHOW CHIPS AND THE MOTORCYCLE 🏍 THEY RODE

[@SEPK09]

Pity didnt have actual images !

[@rockville1999]

where is the video

[@heatherray2425]

Eric was so lucky

[@jdtractorman7445]

He was very lucky that Larry Wilcox was right there to help him. I think this may have led to network studios not taking as many chances with the actors and letting stunt people do more of the stunts. All of those action tv shows in that era were trying to outdo one another with stunts.

[@SunShine-zo7of]

I am so glad to know he recovered from that terrible accident and he was given the best medical care. Thank God he is alive.

[@ricknineg]

Agreed!

[@elsa7281]

I think it was all an illusion from shock and later meds which I hear is normal. Just glad that he survived. I also remember Erick from "The Cross and the Switchblade ", another movie he was in when he was younger. He played a gang member of which he was the President (leader) of the gang. He played that part very well too.

[@terryhawkins5585]

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

[@MaurLiz]

Oh yes! I truly believe Erik had an out-of-body experience after this accident! It sounded so fantastic yet similiar to what I have heard other people say happened to them during a similar type of life-threatening accident. I had never heard that this happened on set to Erik Estrada! Thank you for sharing this with us, Rick! I'm so glad it wasn't Erik's time yet, as they say! So very interesting! Well, Take Care, Everyone! ~Maura from Maryland~ 😊

[@brendastepp5896]

I agree it was an out of body experience. Erik thanks Larry Wilcox to this day for saving his life.

[@keithsterling433]

only way to know if he really did step over to the other side is to ask some who was there who else was in the room and there locations, how did erik look in the bed and then compare to erik vision.

[@darlenemize5217]

Wasn't that the first episode?