Celebrity3 min(s) read
Doctor shares tragic reality on adult star Emily Willis after she was left ‘permanently paralyzed’
A doctor has provided an explanation on adult star Emily Willis' wellbeing after it was announced that she is permanently disabled.
Willis was admitted to Summit Malibu, a luxury rehabilitation center in California, for a ketamine addiction on January 27, 2024.
Just eight days later, she was found unresponsive in her room, as she had undergone a serious medical emergency.
Last month, her mother provided a positive update on her recovery, telling TMZ that while her daughter is non-verbal, she can communicate with her eyes and by moving her head.
It's believed that the former pornographic actress is learning to walk again, can watch films and TV shows she enjoys, and can sleep on her own, but she still needs help being fed.
But after undergoing more than 10 surgeries, her family sued Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Center, eventually reaching a $3 million settlement as the defendants continued to deny wrongdoing and did not admit liability.
Doctor explains Emily Willis' condition
Court filings reveal that Willis suffered an anoxic brain injury, with the 27-year-old suffering a cardiac arrest and 30-40 minutes without oxygen on that fateful day in January 2024.
Real name Litzy Lara Banuelos, the 2021 AVN Performer of the Year winner was one of the biggest stars in the adult industry before the incident.
Now, leading biomedical science expert Dr Gareth Nye has shared what he thinks of the star's health, including the huge strides she has made in her recovery.
"Following a cardiac arrest and prolonged oxygen deprivation in early 2024, there were real concerns that she might have locked-in syndrome or be in a permanent vegetative state," the University of Salford lecturer explained to the Daily Star.
He added: "Recent updates shared by her family show she is remarkably making significant, albeit gradual, improvements that contradict those initial fears.
"Willis has reached several recent milestones to show some form of recovery is happening namely improvements in communication, cognitive awareness and mobility.
"Although she is noted as remaining non-verbal, she has regained the ability to communicate with her family using head and eye movements."
What could it mean for Willis' future?
Dr Nye spoke about the rarity of her recovery process, highlighting: "Reports from her mother suggest that Willis is highly aware of her surroundings and understands roughly 80% of what is happening around her, and it has been noted she is currently working with physical therapists in Mexico to begin the extensive process of relearning how to walk."
The medical professional described these as "massive steps forward," contradicting early reports, though he did warn that recovery isn't as straightforward as it may seem.
"Recovery from an anoxic brain injury of this magnitude is a complex and lifelong journey," he said, adding: "Brain healing from anoxic injuries is notoriously slow and unpredictable,
"Progress is typically measured in months and years, requiring intensive, ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy."