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Spirit In The Sky Writer Critical After Crash

Spirit In The Sky Writer Critical After Crash

The singer-songwriter behind the 1969 hit Spirit In The Sky has been critically injured in a car accident which killed a motorcyclist in California.

Norman Greenbaum, 72, who wrote and sang the rock song, has featured in 50 movies and TV shows, including Ocean's Eleven and My Name Is Earl.

Sergeant David Derczo of the California Highway Patrol told The Press Democrat that Greenbaum, a longtime resident of the city of Santa Rosa, was a passenger in a Subaru Outback which turned left, crossing into the motorcycle's path.

Mr Derczo said the motorcycle's 20-year-old driver, Ihab Usama Halaweh, died at the scene; his passenger was also critically injured.

The newspaper reported that Greenbaum and the motorcycle passenger are being treated at a hospital.

Officials said the car's driver was not injured and that alcohol isn't suspected.

Cover versions of Spirit In The Sky by Doctor and the Medics and Gareth Gates both reached number one in the UK.