Christy Carlson Romano Shares Shocking Experience After Near-Death Shooting Incident
In a recent revelation, actress Christy Carlson Romano opened up about a frightening incident that nearly cost her sight. The 41-year-old former Disney star, best known for her role in "Even Stevens," was accidentally shot in the face while clay pigeon shooting with her husband, Brendan Rooney, to celebrate his birthday.
During her appearance on the "Not a Damn Chance!" podcast, scheduled for June 10, Romano discussed the shocking moment that left her injured. Though she couldn’t disclose all the details, she mentioned being struck in multiple areas, including just below her eye.
Romano explained that the injury was caused by birdshot from another party shooting not far from them, which struck her at high speed. "They weren’t malicious; it’s just the way things happened," she noted, emphasizing the importance of safety in shooting sports.
Reflecting on the moment of the accident, Romano described a mix of shock and disbelief. Initially, she didn’t feel pain but was overwhelmed with thoughts about her loved ones. "I was covered in blood from my forehead and was worried about who would take care of my girls if something happened to me," she recalled. The actress shares two daughters, Isabella, 7, and Sofia, 5, with Rooney.
Fortunately, luck was on Romano’s side. She stated that if her head had tilted even slightly in a different direction, she could have lost her sight or even her life. Doctors discovered that fragments of the shot were lodged in her forehead and behind her eye, dangerously close to damaging her vision.
Romano’s husband, Brendan, rushed to her aid and had to restrain his initial reaction of anger towards the other party involved in the incident. "He was immediately in action mode, making sure I was okay and getting help," she recounted.
Despite the harrowing experience, Romano maintains a brave outlook, utilizing humor to cope. Upon arriving at the hospital, she found herself telling jokes to ease the tension for those around her. "I wanted them to feel calm so they could take better care of me," she said.
Now, as a "gunshot survivor," Romano is learning to navigate her new reality and the impact of the incident on her life. She reminds everyone about the significance of firearm safety, especially in outdoor activities. Clay pigeon shooting, which involves shooting at clay disks flung into the air, is usually safe, but accidents can happen when precautions are overlooked.
