Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith Being shot during their first date. Only Smith survived. See how he violates odds for significant recovery.

Crime scene

The night before Thanksgiving in 2021, Smith had his first date with a woman named Leslie Reeves. The next morning, the first responder found Smith in his Farmersville, Illinois, with a bullet in his brain. Reeves is dead.

Shooting victim in coma

EMT rushed Smith to the hospital for brain surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

Bullets lie in his brain

The fragments of the bullet remained in Smith's brain. His doctor said searching for bullets could cause the risk of further damage.

Family support

Smith's mother, Sharon Costanza, and sister Ashli ​​Holcomb, sat next to him during his recovery. Doctors told them that Smith rarely had the chance to return to his former functional level.

No memory

In January 2022, Smith woke up from a coma and asked him where and what happened. He didn't remember it from the night of the shooting. Even though he talked to her on the phone and talked to her two weeks before the shooting, he had no memories of dating Reeves.

Poor prognosis

Due to Smith's injury, his neurosurgery, Dr. Victor Williams, told Smith that he might not be able to walk anymore. Williams and his team are committed to doing everything they can to help Chris’ recovery.

Life has changed forever

Smith's left leg was partially paralyzed from hip to knee. From his knee to his toes, he was completely paralyzed. After leaving the hospital, he had to go back with his mother.

Regain strength

Most days, Smith goes to the gym and regains strength so that one day he can walk without help.

survivor

Smith said he was determined to hold on to his new lease. He returned to the rock band and sang. He proposed to his fiancee Michelle Albrecht.

New wishes

Smith wants to be a motivational speaker and have his own website.

Miracle Recovery

Smith's mother said his recovery was nothing more than a miracle.