Adult film star Emily Willis is "surpassing initial medical expectations" and showing "remarkable resilience" as she defies early fears that she would be left completely trapped inside her own body, according to a leading biomedical science expert.
Dr Gareth Nye, lecturer in biomedical science at the University of Salford, has weighed in on the 25-year-old's condition, revealing that her gradual improvements "contradict initial fears" that she was in a locked-in syndrome or a permanent vegetative state.
Cardiac arrest and rehab admission
Willis, real name Litzy Lara Banuelos, was declared "permanently disabled" following a cardiac arrest that starved her brain of oxygen. On January 27, 2024, she checked into Summit Malibu, an upmarket rehab centre in California, to overcome a ketamine addiction.
Relatives insist she arrived completely drug-free and dedicated to changing her life. But eight days later, on February 4, a nurse practitioner found her unresponsive in her room.
First responders delivered CPR, battling for up to 40 minutes of intensive resuscitation before her heart beat again. It remains unknown how long she was without oxygen.
Milestones in recovery
Her mum, Yesenia Cooper, has shared new details of her daughter's fightback. Dr Nye explained: "Following a cardiac arrest and prolonged oxygen deprivation in early 2024 there were real concerns that she might have locked-in syndrome or be in a permanent vegetative state."
He added: "Recent updates shared by her family show she is remarkably making significant, albeit gradual, improvements that contradict those initial fears."
Dr Nye noted: "Willis has reached several recent milestones to show some form of recovery is happening namely improvements in communication, cognitive awareness and mobility. Although she is noted as remaining non-verbal she has regained the ability to communicate with her family using head and eye movements."
He said her mother reports that Willis is highly aware of her surroundings and understands roughly 80% of what is happening around her, and is working with physical therapists in Mexico to relearn how to walk.
Long-term outlook
Cooper confirmed to TMZ that while non-verbal, Emily communicates using her eyes and shaking her head, sleeps independently, and has resumed watching movies and TV shows. She still requires assistance with eating but is making strides in physical therapy.
Dr Nye said: "These are massive steps forward from previous reports that she was entirely confined to a bed. However, recovery from an anoxic brain injury of this magnitude is a complex and lifelong journey. Brain healing from anoxic injuries is notoriously slow and unpredictable. Progress is typically measured in months and years, requiring intensive, ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy."
He warned: "Although she is surpassing initial medical expectations, the extent of her assumed brain damage means she will remain classified as permanently disabled in all likelihood. It is highly probable that she will face lasting physical and cognitive deficits and require long-term care or assistance."
The update follows news that Emily's family secured a $3million settlement after suing Summit Malibu, alleging the facility failed to adequately care for her during addiction treatment. The defendants denied any wrongdoing and did not accept liability in the settlement.
