Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman in the 1978 film, suffered a tragic accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. While horseback riding in a competition, Reeve was thrown from his horse and landed on his head, severing his spinal cord. This injury left him a quadriplegic, unable to move any of his limbs or breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. Despite his devastating injury, Reeve remained determined to live a fulfilling life and become an advocate for spinal cord research. He founded the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, which raised funds for medical research and supported those affected by spinal cord injuries. Reeve also continued to act and direct films, showing the world that disability does not define a person’s abilities. Unfortunately, Reeve passed away in 2004 from complications related to his paralysis, but his legacy as a symbol of strength and resilience lives on.
What was the tragedy of Christopher Reeve?
In 1995, Reeve fell from a horse at an equestrian competition, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Nine years later, he passed away at age 52 in 2004 after suffering a heart attack following an infection.
How old was Christopher Reeve when he was paralyzed?
At 42, Christopher Reeve had an accident which would change his life. Read more about his amazing story. After a fall from a horse caused a spinal cord injury, Christopher Reeve dedicated his life to advocacy and research. Find out more about his amazing story.
What type of paralysis did Christopher Reeves have?
Reeve broke his neck on , when he was thrown from his horse during an equestrian competition in Virginia. He was left a quadriplegic. After his injury, Mr. Reeve became a strong advocate for the disabled and rehabilitation therapy.
How much did Christopher Reeve recover?
Reeve’s Recovery For the first five years after his accident, Reeve had no sensation or motor function from the neck down. Three years later, after the activity-based recovery exercise program, Reeve’s condition has improved and has been reclassified as Grade C (an improvement of two grades).Oct 4, 2002
