Evangeline Lilly Brain Damage Update 2026: Marvel Star Shares TBI Recovery Journey

"Almost every area in my brain is functioning at a decreased capacity." Marvel actress Evangeline Lilly shared a sobering health update on January 1, 2026. Following a traumatic accident in Hawaii last year, the 'Lost' star revealed that recent brain scans confirmed significant neurological impact from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Hawaii Accident and Evangeline Lilly Brain Damage Scan Results

The incident occurred in May 2025 when Lilly fainted on a beach and fell face-first into a boulder. While the immediate physical wounds were treated, the long-term effects surfaced through cognitive changes. Lilly noted that the scan results showed her brain is currently operating at a lower capacity, a condition she believes might be linked to lifelong fainting spells she has experienced since childhood.

Finding Peace in a Slower Pace

Lilly, who stepped away from Hollywood in June 2024, expressed a surprising sense of gratitude. She mentioned that her cognitive decline forced her to slow down, leading to what she described as the most restful holiday season in 14 years. She is now focused on the "hard work" of recovery alongside her medical team, embracing a new chapter of healing on what she calls this "beautiful living planet."