Travis Barker: Life, Death and Fear of Flying after 2008 Crash. Blink-182 Rocker Skips Australia Tour

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has opted out of the pop-punk band's tour in Australia due to his fear of flying, according to the 37-year-old's facebook page.

Barker's fear of flying stems from the horrific near-fatal 2008 crash in which he suffered second and third-degree burns and claimed Chris Baker and Che Still, who were Barker's assistant and security guard. Also perishing in the crash were the plane's pilot and co-pilot.

"I'm sorry to announce I won't be joining Blink-182 on this Australian tour," he wrote. "I still haven't gotten over the horrific events that took the last time I flew when my plane crashed and [four] people were killed, two being my best friends."

The aftermath of the accident left Barker looking for answers. In 2008, he sued the aircraft manufacturer Learjet and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and the jet's owners and contractors. The suit was settled in 2009, with the terms being confidential.

The only other survivor of the crash, Adam Goldstein (D.J. AM), died in 2009 of an accidental drug overdose.

Barker noted that he would like to travel down to Australia again some time in the future, but by boat.

"I hope to come to Australia again some day perhaps by ship if need be," he posted. "Unfortunately, there wasn't a boat that worked with the schedule this time around. Once again I'm sorry to all the fans."

In the meantime, Billboard reported that Tenacious D's Brooks Wackerman will take over for Barker as Blink's drummer for the tour.

Read Barker's entire facebook statement below:

I'm sorry to announce i won't be joining Blink-182 on this Australian tour. I still haven't gotten over the horrific events that took place the last time i flew when my plane crashed and 4 people were killed, two being my best friends. I gave the band my blessing to take another drummer if they still wanted to do the tour without me. I hope to come to Australia again some day perhaps by ship if need be. Unfortunately, there wasn't a boat that worked with the schedule this time around. Once again I'm sorry to all the fans.