The drummer of Earth, Wind & Fire, John Paris, has been placed in a medically induced coma following what his family described as a critical medical emergency earlier this month.

Paris, 58, was hospitalized on August 6, shortly before the group was scheduled to perform with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The show was postponed minutes before it was set to begin, with the band citing “a medical emergency involving a member of our band.”

The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed that crews responded to a report of a cardiac incident at the venue and transported one person to a hospital in critical condition, though the family has not publicly confirmed the nature of Paris’ condition.

In an update shared on Facebook on Thursday (August 13) by Shelly Clark White, the wife of Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, the family stated that doctors placed Paris in an induced coma upon arrival at the hospital so they could provide critical care. “From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side,” the statement read, referring to Paris’ wife, musician Kathy Merrick, and their daughter.

The update mentioned that Paris briefly regained consciousness at one point, opening his eyes and asking for his wife. After seeing her, he turned to a close friend and joked, “Get me outta here.” The family described this moment as bringing “tears, laughter, hugs and renewed hope,” but said it was short-lived as Paris soon experienced rising blood pressure and difficulty breathing, prompting doctors to sedate him again for stabilization.

“John’s journey is far from over,” the statement concluded. “There is so much hope that surrounds him.” A GoFundMe campaign established to support Paris and his family has raised nearly $70,000 toward a $75,000 goal, with several of his bandmates among the donors.

Earth, Wind & Fire resumed their tour two days after the postponed show, with former member Sonny Emory filling in on drums. The San Francisco concert has been rescheduled for September 26. Paris joined the band in 2001, contributing to studio albums including 2003’s The Promise and 2005’s Illumination, and has also collaborated with artists such as Patti LaBelle and Sheila E.

Formed in Chicago in 1969 by the late Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire became one of the most successful and influential groups in American music, selling over 90 million records worldwide with a blend of R&B, funk, soul, jazz and pop. The band scored their sole Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with 1975’s “Shining Star,” which also topped the Hot Soul Songs chart and won a Grammy. Enduring hits like “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and “Let’s Groove” — their biggest Hot 100 hit at No. 3 — became staples of the era. The group topped the Billboard 200 with 1975’s That’s the Way of the World and Gratitude, won six Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The band is currently featured in a Questlove-directed documentary that premiered in June.