Actress and Disney Channel alum Christy Carlson Romano, 40, is recovering after a shocking accident left her with a bullet fragment lodged in her skull. The former Even Stevens and Kim Possible star was injured while on a recreational shooting trip, a birthday celebration for her husband, Brendan Rooney.
The couple had gone clay pigeon shooting when a misfire changed everything. According to Romano, another participant “fired in the wrong direction,” sending bullet fragments flying. She was struck five times, with one piece embedding dangerously close to her right eye.
Romano shared her harrowing experience on Instagram over the weekend. “One fragment is less than an inch from my eye,” she revealed. “Unfortunately, it’s too risky to remove surgically, so doctors will monitor it closely. Thankfully, my vision remains unaffected for now.”
On Monday, she provided a further update. “The lead fragment must stay in place. If they remove it, I could go blind. The doctors believe I should recover fully, though I may never be able to get an MRI again.”
Medical experts decided to leave another fragment lodged in her forehead. “It’s deep in my skull, and they say keeping it there will actually help with healing,” Romano explained. She also disclosed that the fragment near her eye was stopped by her cheekbone, preventing it from reaching her brain.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Romano remains resilient and grateful. “I saw my life flash before my eyes. Hug the people around you. Life can change in an instant.”
The incident has stunned fans, many of whom grew up watching Romano on Disney Channel. She rose to fame playing Ren Stevens, the perfectionist older sister to Shia LaBeouf’s character in Even Stevens, and voicing the iconic heroine Kim Possible. Now, she’s navigating a real-life battle far more intense than any scripted adventure.
As she continues her recovery, Romano is embracing life with a renewed sense of appreciation. “This could have ended so much worse,” she said. “I’m just thankful to be here.”
What's Up Today Editorial Team