Tim Kelly, an original member of '80s glam rock outfit Slaughter, was killed Thursday evening when his car was struck by an 18-wheel tractor trailer on Highway 96 in Arizona.|

The tractor trailer reportedly jackknifed across the center line near Bagdad and struck Kelly's car, sending it into another vehicle. At the time of the accident, the rest of band was in the studio putting finishing touches on a new "best of" live album, set for release this May.

According to bassist Dana Strum, the 18-wheeler fell on top of Kelly's vehicle leaving the 34-year immobilized, but alive. "He did live yelling to [Alice Montana, a passenger] that he didn't wanna die there, to please get [him] out," Strum says. "She was kind of in and out of consciousness hearing him yell. She's never going to overcome this."

Despite the loss of Kelly, the band will continue on, according to band manager Will Sharpe, and begin auditioning for a new guitarist next month. Strum says a few guitarists from other bands have already inquired about replacing Kelly. However, in name only, "we're always gonna keep the group Slaughter as the four of us, including Tim," Strum says. "We're always gonna list him. We're always gonna leave it that way."

The live album will hit shelves to coincide with the group's participation in the "Rock Never Stops" hairband tour this May, which will also include Warrant, Quiet Riot, Firehouse and L.A. Guns. The album will include one new song, called "Rock the World," which Kelly was working on prior to the accident.

Kelly's body will be transported from Arizona to his parents' home in Philadelphia in preparation for a funeral on Thursday or Friday.

BLAIR R. FISCHER