Son of ‘Superman’s Christopher Reeve Beams with Girlfriend in 1st Couple Pic after Orphaned Life since 13
- Christopher Reeve, a.k.a Clark Kent in “Superman,” felt his imminent death being completely paralyzed and spent the last day with his son Will.
- Will Reeve became an orphan at 13 and lived with a friend.
- In his 30s, Will looks just like his dad and shows off his “lady.”
Christopher Reeve was among the most famous stars of the 1970s, beloved by many, and the heartthrob of most women. However, an unfortunate accident left him bound to a wheelchair, and he was grateful just to be alive.
Christopher’s son, Will, lost his father when he was only a boy, but he now lives a full life with his girlfriend. Fans are astounded by how similar the men look and have labeled Will as Christopher’s second edition.
Christopher Reeve in “Superman” in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Christopher was a famous actor for two decades when his life changed in 1995. Known for his role as Clark Kent in the “Superman” movies, Christopher was used to being the tough guy.
He had many hobbies outside of his Hollywood career, including horseriding. He even took part in some equestrian competitions occasionally. On May 27, 1995, Christopher participated in an equestrian competition when his world was turned upside down.
Christopher and 300 other riders had been doing a roadblock test in which he attempted to complete a triple-pole jump on his stallion, Buck. However, as they approached, Buck stopped and threw Christopher headfirst through the barrier.
The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The actor was only 42 then and had a young son at home with his wife. The doctors ensured Christopher he would never regain mobility.
When Christopher had the accident, his son hadn’t yet turned three. Yet his wife, Dana, made it her mission to care for her son and husband through the difficult time. Christopher often talked about how grateful he was for his wife.
While Christopher was in the hospital, he said he took delight in his wife and son visiting him and talking to him, even while he was still sedated. Later on, when he was lucid, he took pleasure in watching his son climb a nearby tree over and over because it got the attention off of him.
How Did Christopher Predict His Death and Spend His Last Day with Will?
While the extent of Christopher’s injuries made it so that he couldn’t spend much time with his son doing things his son loved, he seemed to feel his death was imminent and dedicated his last day alive to his son and anything little Will wanted to do.
Will, Christopher, and Dana Reeve at SuperSkate 2001 at Madison Square Garden | Source: Getty Images
Christopher attended Will’s hockey game on a Saturday morning because he tried to attend all of Will’s sporting events growing up, and then the pair headed home together to watch baseball for the rest of the day. Later that night, Christopher began to slip away.
He was home in his New York City apartment when he went into cardiac arrest. Soon after, he fell into a coma and never regained consciousness. He passed away on a Sunday at 5:30 p.m., and his death was described as “sudden.”
Will Reeve kisses Christopher Reeve on a “20/20” special interview in New Jersey in 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Will was only eleven when his father passed away, leaving him and his mother alone for the first time. It would only be a few short months before tragedy struck again, and Will was left heartbroken a second time.
How Did Will Become an Orphan at 13?
Ten months after Christopher passed, Dana announced she was battling lung cancer. At the time, she shared:
“Now, more than ever, I feel Chris with me as I face this challenge. As always, I look to him as an example of defying the odds with strength, courage, and hope in the face of life’s adversities.”
Dana Reeve at the Christopher Reeve Foundation’s “A Magical Evening” press conference in 2005 | Source: Getty Images
She also said she had married a man who did not give up when things got tough, and she channeled his energy to face her diagnosis and be there for her young son throughout.
Sadly, just seven months after she announced her diagnosis, Dana lost her battle with cancer and passed away at age 44. Will was only thirteen when he lost his mother and was left orphaned and alone.
