Despite the joy of becoming a parent, Christopher’s life took a dramatic turn in 1995 when a freak accident during a cross-country horse competition left him paralyzed from the neck down. He developed suicidal thoughts after waking up in the hospital and asked his wife to “let him go.” Dana, however, encouraged him to persevere, reminding him that he was still himself and that she loved him. From that point forward, Christopher dedicated his time to gaining full recovery, hoping to walk again one day.

Christopher’s focus also turned to political work, advocating for reformed healthcare and increased research funding for the study of the spinal cord and central nervous system. Together, Christopher and Dana founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis.

Tragically, the Reeve family faced a devastating loss when Christopher passed away from heart failure in October 2004 at the age of 52, leaving behind his wife and their then 12-year-old son. Barely two years later, young Will suffered another heartbreaking loss when his mother, Dana, succumbed to lung cancer in March 2006 at the age of 44.

Despite being orphaned at the age of 13, Will had fond memories of a normal upbringing with his parents. He recalled them reminding him to turn off the television, eat his vegetables, and go to bed—just like any other kid. Although he would often see his father on magazine covers while at the grocery store growing up, Will emphasized that he had a “totally normal childhood.” He also shared that despite his dad’s fame, Christopher always prioritized parenting above all else. However, he noted that his father’s paralysis placed limitations on the spontaneous activities they could have enjoyed together as a family.

While Will’s parents didn’t live long enough to see him grow up, Dana Reeve had thoughtfully planned for her son’s future before her passing. She chose their neighbors, Ralph and Ann Pucci, to adopt Will, ensuring he would be cared for by people she trusted. The couple, who have two children of their own, warmly welcomed Will into their family. Will also received strong support from the wider community during this challenging time.

In addition to the Pucci family, Will also has older half-siblings, Matthew and Alexandra Reeve, who are his father’s children from a previous relationship. Although they were born and raised in London, they later relocated to the U.S. to attend college. Will once revealed that they try to get together as often as possible, despite living in different cities.

After losing his parents at a young age, Will grew up to become a prominent figure in the public eye. He graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with a degree in English and American Literature and pursued a successful career as a broadcast journalist. In his personal life, Will is currently dating Amanda Dubin, an event planner based in New York City. They have shared their relationship openly on social media, and many online users have noted Will’s striking resemblance to his late father.

Will continues to honor his parents’ memory, particularly through his involvement with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. He believes that one of the best ways to honor his parents’ legacy is by advancing the foundation’s mission to discover cures for paralysis and improve the quality of life for those affected. Will feels deeply empowered by the values his parents instilled in him and considers it an honor to follow in their footsteps.

Will takes great pride in continuing his parents’ legacy, especially in advancing the mission to discover cures for paralysis and improve the quality of life for those affected and their loved ones. He feels deeply empowered by the values his parents instilled in him, expressing gratitude for having had them as his mother and father. Will considers it an honor to follow in their footsteps.

He aspires to be like them because they made a meaningful difference in the world, and that’s how their legacy has remained with him. Knowing that they mattered brings him immense pleasure, and he is committed to celebrating their contributions. “I love keeping their memory alive. I love knowing that they matter to other people enough to talk about it,” Will once said.