Christopher Reeve died on October 10, 2004, at age 52, after complications from a spinal injury sustained in 1995. His death followed cardiac arrest while treating an infected pressure ulcer related to his high-level cervical fracture. This verified overview summarizes his age at death, the event timeline, and relevant milestones to provide a factual, enduring reference.
Key dates and verified timeline
A concise timeline below aligns notable dates with outcomes, drawing on widely reported records and authoritative biographies.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | September 25, 1952 | Biographical records |
| Date of accident | May 27, 1995 | Incident reports |
| Date of death | October 10, 2004 | Obituaries and official statements |
| Age at death | 52 years | Calculated from birth and death dates |
| Primary cause of death | Cardiac arrest, with contributing infection and respiratory issues | Coroner/medical reports |
Details of the 1995 accident
On May 27, 1995, Reeve was thrown from a horse, resulting in a severe cervical spinal fracture. The injury caused high tetraplegia and required prolonged ventilatory support. Although he survived the initial event, the long-term respiratory and medical complications would later influence his health trajectory.
Health trajectory and complications
Following the accident, Reeve faced several critical medical events:
- Respiratory challenges and dependence on ventilators in the early post-injury period.
- A 1995 cardiac arrest episode successfully treated with resuscitation.
- Recurring infections, including an infected pressure ulcer that developed in the months before his final illness.
- Final cardiac arrest on October 10, 2004, leading to death at age 52.
Age context and longevity factors
Given the severity of the cervical injury, Reeve’s survival for nearly nine years was notable. Advances in critical care, specialized rehabilitation, and vigilant management of complications contributed to extended survival. Age at death in high spinal cord injuries is influenced by respiratory function, infection control, and access to intensive medical support.
Distinguishing cause of death and contributing factors
Official records list cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death. Contributing factors included infection related to his pressure ulcer and respiratory compromise. This distinction is important when interpreting headlines, as multiple interacting medical issues were involved rather than a single uniform cause.
Public legacy and medical learnings
Reeve’s high-profile injury and long survival drew attention to spinal cord injury care, ventilator dependence, and infection prevention. His experience underscored the importance of pressure sore management, respiratory therapy, and coordinated rehabilitation in improving long-term outcomes after severe spinal trauma.