Comedian Jay Leno, who also is famous for being the former host of The Tonight Show, cancelled a scheduled performance at a financial conference in Las Vegas on Sunday, November 10th. The Financial Brand’s conference, titled The Forum, had Leno slated to perform from 7-8pm at the Aria Convention Center West.
According to PEOPLE, The Financial Group sent out an email to attendees revealing that Leno had cancelled his performance.
Part of the email read:
“His family was not able to provide us very many details, but there was a very serious medical emergency that is preventing Jay from traveling. All we know is that he is alive, so our prayers go out to him and his family tonight.”
Leno himself made a statement to Variety, explaining what happened:
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
TMZ was the first to report on Monday (Nov. 14) that Leno had suffered burns on his face (but not his eyes or ears) after a fire ignited in his car garage. The publication reported that Leno was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center.
More details have come to light on Tuesday (Nov. 15).
Leno spoke with TMZ from his hospital bed, and told them that he was fixing a clogged fuel line on his 1907 White steam car.
Jay Leno's steam car breaks down in Burbank. #jayleno #steamcar pic.twitter.com/dvYYtw2Z4A
— David Johnson (@ReporterDave) February 8, 2014
While working on the fuel line, there was a leak and “gasoline sprayed on his face and hands,” TMZ wrote. There was a spark that “triggered and explosion,” which set Leno on fire. His good friend, Dave, was nearby and acted quickly, jumping on the late night host and smothering the flames.
The 72-year-old is recovering in the burn center with third degree burns and could possibly need skin grafts. George Swift, who has been an employee of Leno’s for the last 15 years told PEOPLE, “He’s a tough guy, he’s going to be fine. It’s nothing life-threatening. He’s in great spirits, but you know, it’s going to take awhile.”
For now, Leno has cancelled his engagements for the next two weeks. We will pray that he has a speedy recovery.
Leno shows off his 1907 White steam car in the video below.