Evangeline Lilly, known for her role in the television series *Lost*, has disclosed that she is experiencing brain damage following a serious accident earlier this year. In a video posted on Instagram, Lilly revealed that she fainted and fell “face-first into a boulder,” resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The incident occurred in May, and she has since undergone medical tests to assess the impact of her injury.
On January 1, 2026, Lilly shared the results of her scans, which indicated significant issues with her brain function. She stated, “The results came back from the scans, and I missed every area, and my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity.” The 46-year-old actress confirmed that she is dealing with brain damage from the TBI, along with other potential health challenges.
Despite the difficult news, Lilly is determined to address her medical issues. She expressed a commitment to collaborate closely with her doctors, stating, “Now, my job is to get to the bottom of that with the doctors, and then embark on the hard work of fixing it.” Reflecting on her health struggles, she noted that they have led her to a more restful end to 2025. Lilly shared, “I feel, like, hard work is all I do. That’s OK, my cognitive decline since I smashed my face open has helped me to slow down.”
Positive Reflections Amid Health Challenges
Lilly’s recent holiday season was notably different from previous years. She described it as “the most restful holiday” she has ever experienced and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue living life despite her challenges. “I’m feeling extraordinarily grateful and blessed to be able to play one more day, one more year on this beautiful living planet,” she remarked in her update about the concussion.
Addressing her audience, Lilly acknowledged the uphill battle ahead of her in restoring her cognitive abilities. She remarked, “Comforting to know my cognitive decline isn’t just peri-menopause, discomforting to know what an uphill battle it will be to try to reverse the deficiencies.” She expressed appreciation for the support she has received, stating, “Thank you all for always asking, for always caring, and for your continued prayers.”
In her earlier message about the accident in May, Lilly recounted the moments following her fall at the beach. She recalled, “At the hospital, the nurses and doctor went straight into action, more determined to find the cause of my blackout than to stitch up the hole punctured into my face by the rock.” Her experience highlights the immediate concerns surrounding her health and the steps taken to ensure her recovery.
As Lilly continues her journey toward recovery, her resilience and positive outlook serve as a testament to her character. Through her candid updates, she has engaged with her fans, bringing attention to the realities of living with a traumatic brain injury and the importance of seeking help.
