Anthony Givanni Deane, the younger brother of Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, has publicly revealed the harrowing details of a devastating skiing accident that left him with catastrophic injuries earlier this month.
Catastrophic Injuries from Swiss Alps Crash
The 52-year-old furniture designer took to Instagram to share his traumatic experience following a crash in the exclusive resort of St Moritz, Switzerland. Givanni Deane disclosed that he spent nearly two weeks in intensive care and underwent three separate surgeries to repair extensive damage to his body.
Severe Physical Trauma
The accident resulted in multiple serious injuries including:
- Nine broken ribs with eleven total fractures
- A shattered collarbone requiring titanium plate and nine screws
- A severely punctured lung with internal bleeding
In an emotional social media post dedicated to his famous sister, Givanni Deane described the incident as "the kind of crash that really ruins your day" while sharing hospital images including one showing his hand connected to an IV drip.
Sister's Support During Critical Recovery
The Los Angeles-based designer expressed profound gratitude for his 57-year-old sister's unwavering support throughout his medical crisis. "Close to 2 weeks in the ICU and Kell was right there through 3 surgeries carrying me through some impossible moments," he wrote.
Givanni Deane continued: "I know it wasn't easy being on the front line and am so blessed to have you as a sister and best friend in this lifetime and hopefully the next. I love you beyond measure."
Unconventional Accident Circumstances
Addressing how the accident occurred, Givanni Deane admitted to making an "ill advised traverse" while hungry and heading to a restaurant with friends, resulting in him falling into an ice ditch. "Been skiing since I was a kid and never had an accident...so decided to make this one count," he remarked with characteristic dark humour.
Life-Changing Impact and Positive Outlook
The designer revealed he views the traumatic experience as a "pattern disruptor" in his life and has announced plans to quit his decades-long smoking habit as a result. "I've loved smoking since I was 14 but will be using this black swan to stop," he declared in his candid post.
Rutherford, who played Lily van der Woodsen in the hit television series Gossip Girl, responded to her brother's emotional tribute with "I love you so much ♥️", to which Givanni Deane replied "love you more!!!".
Sibling Bond and Shared History
The siblings share the same mother, Ann Edwards, who raised them in what Givanni Deane has previously described as a "non-traditional but loving" household. In a 2015 interview, he revealed that Rutherford helped raise him and referred to her as his "guardian angel", while the actress has described herself as his "junior mom" during their childhood.
Their close relationship was evident in holiday photos shared before the accident, showing them smiling together against the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The pair collaborated last year on a jewelry line for The TwentyFour Six, demonstrating their ongoing creative partnership.
Career Background and Recovery Challenges
Givanni Deane began his professional life as a fashion stylist for publications including Cosmopolitan and InStyle before transitioning into interior design. He later assisted top Los Angeles developer Darryl Wilson and worked at the acclaimed Twentieth Art and Design Showroom, experiences that shaped his distinctive aesthetic approach.
The serious injuries will likely impact his hands-on design work during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery period, though the designer appears to be maintaining a remarkably positive outlook despite the physical challenges ahead.
Family Support Through Difficult Times
Rutherford has faced her own significant challenges in recent years, including a lengthy six-year custody dispute over her two children with ex-husband Daniel Giersch. Throughout various personal battles, the actress has remained close to her family, with the siblings' bond proving particularly resilient during this latest crisis.
Friends and followers have flooded the comments section of Givanni Deane's Instagram post with well-wishes and support messages, expressing relief that he survived the catastrophic accident and hoping for a smooth recovery process in the coming months.
