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Thursday 3rd November 2005

Leon Patillo and wife have narrow escape from burning vehicle in California.

CCM STAR of the '80s and one time Santana vocalist Leon Patillo and his wife Renee narrowly escaped serious injury on Monday night when the 36' RV they were travelling in exploded in Barstow, California. The Patillos were driving down the road following weekend concert appearances in California when there was a large explosion and smoke and flames erupted from the front air conditioning unit. Before Leon could pull off the road, the entire front of the RV was engulfed in flames.

As they scrambled to get out, none of the doors would open as the fire damaged the electrical system enough that the power locks were no longer operational. With flames in the front cabin, Renee finally managed to get her door open, but Leon was not able to climb over the centre console due to the fire. He finally managed to break a small window and crawl out, and they began to run knowing that there were several bottles of propane on board. They managed to run about 100 yards before hearing a large explosion, and the RV burned to nothing but a frame.

"Leon incurred scratches on his back from trying to go through the driver's window, and I have a few cuts on my fingers and some under my feet from not having any shoes," says Renee. "We did not have any burns. We inhaled a lot of smoke but we are okay now." The fire destroyed Leon's keyboards, merchandise, luggage and the money they had received from love offerings at concert appearances over the weekend. "We are still in a little state of shock but God is giving us peace," says Renee. They are currently recuperating at their home in Las Vegas.
 CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by P. Lewis in California @ 01:56 on Jan 7 2011

Leon,
You are truly blessed and protected by God, not only in your RV but when you were incarcerated in Federal Prison. He has brought you through many a tough times.



Posted by oddis e lewis jr in highland ca @ 11:45 on Nov 20 2008

hi mr patillo my name is oddis lewis i saw you for the first time in 1973 or 1974. at riverside ca raincross square you were with pastor greg laurie. then in 1980 something in san bernardino ca at pacific high school both times i spoke with you at the school it was you and your wife.you always spoke positively and you remembered me i was shocked . in 1985 i saw you at emanulle baptist in san bernardino ca i didnt get to speak with you then. i just wanted to say i love you music and the messages they and you deliver. please let me know when you are in concert again. god bless you and yours, reading about your rv accident shows that your still a man of god.


Reply by David DeVries in Laguna Niguel, Ca. @ 02:20 on Mar 30 2011

Is this the same Oddis Lewis that was in the Air Force and stationed in Turkey around 1970? Did you have a roommate by the name of Mike Keeler? If this is I would like to make contact with you. Send me an email.

[report abuse]


Posted by brenda in high desert, calif @ 16:22 on Jan 5 2008

God has always has his hand on u leon and ur precious famnily..........ur have been a wonderful inspiration to me and my fanily for years......may god keep blessing u and may angels always be by ur side.......ur sister in jesus...



Posted by phillip garica in new delhi india @ 15:49 on Jul 9 2006

God hand is always on his children.



Posted by Teresa Darden in Long Beach, CA @ 20:27 on Nov 28 2005

Praise God the Patillo's escaped. Satan tried to destroy them in the firey "furnace" but Jesus showed up! !God's purpose's for their lives will not be hindered. I pray that all that the devil has taken be returned to them a "hundred fold"



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