Actress, Evangeline Lilly started the new year with “bad news” as she isn’t in the best of health. On January 2, 2026, she revealed suffering from brain damage and cognitive decline following a severe head injury she sustained in May 2025. She shared a concussion update video on Instagram after receiving results from specialised brain scans. Evangeline, who announced her retirement from acting in June 2024, stated that the injury forced her into a much-needed period of stillness and that she felt “extraordinarily grateful” to be alive despite the diagnosis. Here’s everything we know about her and her ailment.
What caused Evangeline Lilly’s brain damage?
On January 2, 2026, Evangeline revealed she is suffering from brain damage following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in May 2025. She recalled fainting on a beach at that time in Hawaii and falling face-first into a boulder, resulting in severe facial injuries and a concussion. Evangeline’s injuries included a puncture hole in her face, a dislodged/broken front tooth and severe lacerations and bruising to her nose, chin, and mouth. While she was being transported to the hospital, a second blackout that occurred, making her condition seem serious.
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