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Christy Carlson Romano Shares Terrifying Experience of Near Blinding
Christy Carlson Romano has bravely opened up about a shocking incident that nearly cost her an eye. The former Disney star revealed the harrowing details of being shot in the face just four months ago during a clay pigeon shooting outing.
Eventful Birthday Celebration Turns Catastrophic
On a recent episode of the podcast “Not a Damn Chance!” set to air on June 10, the 41-year-old actress recounted the frightening episode that unfolded while celebrating her husband Brendan Rooney’s birthday. During a spirited clay pigeon shoot, a bullet struck her face, leading to a dangerous situation.
Details of the Incident
Romano explained that while she could not divulge every detail, she did reveal her injury was caused by birdshot shot approximately 200 feet away, emphasizing that it was unintentional. According to her, the incident was neither malicious nor an act of aggression; it was simply an accident that led to serious consequences.
Reflections on Gun Safety and Immediate Reactions
The actress, known for her role in “Even Stevens,” took a moment to highlight the critical importance of gun safety. Describing her emotional state post-incident, Romano expressed disbelief and shock, saying, “I feel very out of body about it. … It’s pretty wild.” She explained her initial reaction to the gunshot—one that was marked by an eerie calmness despite the turmoil of emotions she experienced.
Survival Instincts Kick In
Romano described a moment of clarity immediately following the incident. “I just got shot,” were her first thoughts, which quickly turned to fear about her life. “Oh now I’m gonna die,” she recounted, revealing how her mind raced with panic. She took a knee, and her husband, who witnessed the incident, quickly assessed the situation after sensing something was wrong.
Details of the Injury and Its Aftermath
In a delay helped by swift action from her husband, Romano managed to remain conscious despite her injuries. She was initially unaware of any pain as shock took over her senses. However, she recalled being surrounded by blood, with urgent thoughts about her children flooding her mind. She has two daughters, Isabella, 7, and Sofia, 5, with Rooney. “Am I gonna die? Who’s gonna take care of the girls? Is my career over?” She was faced with daunting questions amid the chaos.
Close Call with Tragedy
Romano’s close encounter with tragedy was evident as she explained the precarious position of the fragments lodged in her head. “If my head would’ve been tilted in any other direction, I would have been blind in my right eye. Or if I had turned my head, I could have gotten hit in a softer side of my skull, and I would have potentially been dead,” Romano stated. The lead fragment remains lodged behind her eye, dangerously close to causing blindness.
A Journey Toward Healing
Through her podcast interview, Romano expressed how surreal it felt to acknowledge she is now categorized as a gunshot survivor. She candidly admitted attempting to lighten the mood with jokes when she reached the hospital. “In retrospect, I was trying to be funny and not cry because I wanted the people around me to feel more calm so that they could take better care of me,” she explained.
Emphasizing Gun Safety
Ultimately, the comedian and actress took this incident as a critical reminder regarding the inherent dangers associated with firearms, even in seemingly safe environments. The sport of clay pigeon shooting, while generally safe with proper precautions, is not without its risks. Romano’s experience serves as a stark illustration of how quickly a celebratory outing can spiral into a life-threatening situation.
Impact on Life and Career
Despite the shocking reality of her situation, Romano has shown resilience. She has recognized the necessity to not only heal physically but also mentally after such a traumatic experience. With her career and family dynamics in mind, she reassures herself and her fans about her commitment to recovery.
Conclusion: A Survivor’s Path Forward
As she continues her journey from this life-altering incident, Christy Carlson Romano is reminding herself—and others—about the importance of safety and the power of survival. Her story, while filled with fear and uncertainty, ultimately reflects hope and the strength that lies in facing challenges head-on. As she navigates her recovery, Romano stands as a testament to resilience and the ongoing journey of healing that many trauma survivors endure.
