On the night before Thanksgiving in 2021, Chris Smith went on a first date with Leslie Reeves. Unfortunately, the date took a tragic turn when both were shot, leaving Reeves dead and Smith with a bullet lodged in his brain. Smith was placed in a medically induced coma after undergoing brain surgery to remove bullet fragments.
Throughout his recovery, Smith’s family, including his mother Sharon Costanza and sister Ashli Holcomb, remained by his side despite doctors giving a grim prognosis. They were told that Smith might not be able to walk again due to his injuries. However, Smith defied the odds and woke up from his coma in January 2022 with no memory of the shooting or his date with Reeves.
Despite facing partial paralysis in his leg, Smith has shown incredible progress through intense physical therapy. He now spends most days at the gym working on regaining his strength, hoping to walk without assistance in the future. Smith credits his fianceé, Michelle Albrecht, for being his rock and supporting him through his recovery.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Smith aspires to become a motivational speaker and has even returned to singing with his rock band. His mother, Sharon Costanza, describes his recovery as nothing short of a miracle, emphasizing the strength and determination Smith has shown throughout his journey.
