10 Celebs Who Almost DIED in the Last 10 Years
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VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey
Hollywood's dangerous side revealed! We're diving into the most shocking near-death experiences of celebrities in recent years. From on-set accidents to life-threatening medical emergencies, these stars faced incredible odds and miraculously survived. Our countdown includes dramatic stories from David Arquette's wrestling incident, Dylan O'Brien's stunt accident, Jeremy Renner's snowplow tragedy, and Jamie Foxx's mysterious medical emergency! Which of these surprised you most? Share in the comments.
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at times celebrities narrowly escaped death within the last ten years.
David Arquette
Perhaps best known for his role as Dewey in the “Scream” franchise, David Arquette has also dabbled in the world of professional wrestling - a passion that nearly cost him his life in 2018. During an “anything goes death match" opposite wrestler Nick Gage, Arquette sustained a severe neck injury when a glass light tube cut dangerously close to his jugular vein. He fled the ring in panic and was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency treatment. The frightening incident, which was detailed in the documentary “You Cannot Kill David Arquette,” became a turning point for the actor – ultimately leading him to end his self-destructive behaviors.
Dylan O’Brien
2016 was quite the harrowing year for actor Dylan O’Brien. While filming the latest installment in the “Maze Runner” franchise, a stunt involving a moving vehicle went terribly wrong, leaving the fan favorite star with severe injuries - including facial fractures, a concussion, and brain trauma. The incident was so serious that production was paused for nearly a year as O’Brien embarked on a challenging physical and emotional recovery. During this time, O’Brien says he faced doubts about continuing his acting career, describing it as a dark and challenging period. Despite the hardships, O’Brien persevered, ultimately returning to complete the film, and resuming his onscreen occupation.
Josh Duhamel
Thanks to nature’s unpredictability, Josh Duhamel experienced a near-death experience while filming the 2022 movie “Shotgun Wedding” in the Dominican Republic. Sharing the traumatic experience on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Duhamel explained that in his downtime, he often swam in a serene cove near his hotel. One day, however, the waves became dangerously rough. While recording the turbulent scene, a massive wave nearly swept him over the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, razor-sharp coral stopped him – leaving his legs badly scraped in the process. Needless to say, Duhamel described it as one of the scariest moments of his life.
Tracy Morgan
In June of 2014, fans and colleagues of Tracy Morgan held their collective breaths when news broke of a fatal accident involving the comedian on the New Jersey Turnpike. Details soon emerged that a Walmart truck collided with Morgan’s limousine bus, leaving the actor/comedian critically injured. Tragically, the crash claimed the life of Tracy’s friend and fellow comedian James McNair. As for Morgan, the “SNL” alum spent weeks in a coma and endured months of rehabilitation. Tracy says the incident deeply impacted him, prompting him to become an advocate for road safety as he slowly made his way back into show business.
Courteney Cox & Jennifer Aniston
Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston came alarmingly close to being "friends to the very end"—in the most literal sense. You see, in February 2019, the actresses experienced a life-threatening incident while flying to Mexico for Aniston’s 50th birthday. Their private plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a loud “bang” was heard during the takeoff - signaling a serious problem. During the ordeal, Cox confessed to being really scared, even messaging her loved ones. As for the issue, it turned out to be a completely blown tire. The flight spent hours burning off fuel before eventually touching down without incident.
Ric Flair
In 1975, wrestling legend Ric Flair nearly had his life ended when he was in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina. Fast-forward some forty-plus years later and the “Nature Boy” cheated death for a second time. In August 2017, the pro wrestler was hospitalized with severe health issues and placed in a medically induced coma. Word spread fast around the wrestling community that the prognosis was grim. Despite the odds, Flair survived surgery and weeks of intensive care, making a rather remarkable recovery. Just like he’s done countless times in the ring, Flair managed to “kick out” at the last second.
Zac Efron
Teen heartthrob turned straight up hunk, Zac Efron, has had his share of “close calls” – including a 2013 incident where he tripped and shattered his jaw. However, on August 2, 2024, the “High School Musical” star was hospitalized in Ibiza after a serious diving mishap where his chest hit the pool’s bottom, causing him to ingest water. Headlines stating Zac was found unconscious at the bottom of a pool sparked a worrisome stir online. Though the actor has shared few details about the incident, he has expressed gratitude to fans for their well wishes. His fans, in turn, wish he’d be a little more careful.
Harrison Ford
Legendary actor Harrison Ford has been flying since the 1960s - having licenses for airplanes and helicopters. However, the “Star Wars” star’s passion for aviation nearly cost him his life in 2015. This is when the engine of his vintage plane failed shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a golf course. Suffering serious injuries, including, but not limited to, a broken pelvis and ankle, Ford was lucky to be alive. The veteran actor also survived a helicopter crash during flight training in 1999, where neither he nor his instructor were seriously hurt. We’d say Harrison has had a fair bit of luck on his side all these years.
Jamie Foxx
In April 2023, Jamie Foxx’s family revealed that the actor had suffered a medical emergency – one that nearly ended his life. During filming of the Netflix movie “Back in Action” opposite Cameron Diaz, it was disclosed that Foxx was abruptly hospitalized in Atlanta. The actor’s condition was unknown to the public but was serious enough for family members to rush to his side. By May, Jamie’s daughter Corinne shared that her dad was home and recovering well. Ever the entertainer, Jamie Foxx ensured that the story of his health scare came straight from him, saving it for a comedy special titled “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…”
Jeremy Renner
So much for ushering in the New Year on a positive note. On New Year’s Day 2023, Jeremy Renner’s life took a shocking turn when he was run over by a 14,000-pound snowplow while trying to help his nephew. The accident left Renner with over 30 broken bones and required multiple surgeries. Despite the severity of his injuries, the “Avengers” star showed remarkable resilience, constantly updating fans about his progress, and even (miraculously) walking again within months. Renner’s recovery has been nothing short of inspiring, proving he’s truly as tough in real life as he is in the movies!
Which harrowing celebrity “close-call” do you remember hearing about? Share your recollections in the comments below.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at times celebrities narrowly escaped death within the last ten years.
David Arquette
Perhaps best known for his role as Dewey in the “Scream” franchise, David Arquette has also dabbled in the world of professional wrestling - a passion that nearly cost him his life in 2018. During an “anything goes death match" opposite wrestler Nick Gage, Arquette sustained a severe neck injury when a glass light tube cut dangerously close to his jugular vein. He fled the ring in panic and was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency treatment. The frightening incident, which was detailed in the documentary “You Cannot Kill David Arquette,” became a turning point for the actor – ultimately leading him to end his self-destructive behaviors.
Dylan O’Brien
2016 was quite the harrowing year for actor Dylan O’Brien. While filming the latest installment in the “Maze Runner” franchise, a stunt involving a moving vehicle went terribly wrong, leaving the fan favorite star with severe injuries - including facial fractures, a concussion, and brain trauma. The incident was so serious that production was paused for nearly a year as O’Brien embarked on a challenging physical and emotional recovery. During this time, O’Brien says he faced doubts about continuing his acting career, describing it as a dark and challenging period. Despite the hardships, O’Brien persevered, ultimately returning to complete the film, and resuming his onscreen occupation.
Josh Duhamel
Thanks to nature’s unpredictability, Josh Duhamel experienced a near-death experience while filming the 2022 movie “Shotgun Wedding” in the Dominican Republic. Sharing the traumatic experience on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Duhamel explained that in his downtime, he often swam in a serene cove near his hotel. One day, however, the waves became dangerously rough. While recording the turbulent scene, a massive wave nearly swept him over the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, razor-sharp coral stopped him – leaving his legs badly scraped in the process. Needless to say, Duhamel described it as one of the scariest moments of his life.
Tracy Morgan
In June of 2014, fans and colleagues of Tracy Morgan held their collective breaths when news broke of a fatal accident involving the comedian on the New Jersey Turnpike. Details soon emerged that a Walmart truck collided with Morgan’s limousine bus, leaving the actor/comedian critically injured. Tragically, the crash claimed the life of Tracy’s friend and fellow comedian James McNair. As for Morgan, the “SNL” alum spent weeks in a coma and endured months of rehabilitation. Tracy says the incident deeply impacted him, prompting him to become an advocate for road safety as he slowly made his way back into show business.
Courteney Cox & Jennifer Aniston
Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston came alarmingly close to being "friends to the very end"—in the most literal sense. You see, in February 2019, the actresses experienced a life-threatening incident while flying to Mexico for Aniston’s 50th birthday. Their private plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a loud “bang” was heard during the takeoff - signaling a serious problem. During the ordeal, Cox confessed to being really scared, even messaging her loved ones. As for the issue, it turned out to be a completely blown tire. The flight spent hours burning off fuel before eventually touching down without incident.
Ric Flair
In 1975, wrestling legend Ric Flair nearly had his life ended when he was in a serious plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina. Fast-forward some forty-plus years later and the “Nature Boy” cheated death for a second time. In August 2017, the pro wrestler was hospitalized with severe health issues and placed in a medically induced coma. Word spread fast around the wrestling community that the prognosis was grim. Despite the odds, Flair survived surgery and weeks of intensive care, making a rather remarkable recovery. Just like he’s done countless times in the ring, Flair managed to “kick out” at the last second.
Zac Efron
Teen heartthrob turned straight up hunk, Zac Efron, has had his share of “close calls” – including a 2013 incident where he tripped and shattered his jaw. However, on August 2, 2024, the “High School Musical” star was hospitalized in Ibiza after a serious diving mishap where his chest hit the pool’s bottom, causing him to ingest water. Headlines stating Zac was found unconscious at the bottom of a pool sparked a worrisome stir online. Though the actor has shared few details about the incident, he has expressed gratitude to fans for their well wishes. His fans, in turn, wish he’d be a little more careful.
Harrison Ford
Legendary actor Harrison Ford has been flying since the 1960s - having licenses for airplanes and helicopters. However, the “Star Wars” star’s passion for aviation nearly cost him his life in 2015. This is when the engine of his vintage plane failed shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a golf course. Suffering serious injuries, including, but not limited to, a broken pelvis and ankle, Ford was lucky to be alive. The veteran actor also survived a helicopter crash during flight training in 1999, where neither he nor his instructor were seriously hurt. We’d say Harrison has had a fair bit of luck on his side all these years.
Jamie Foxx
In April 2023, Jamie Foxx’s family revealed that the actor had suffered a medical emergency – one that nearly ended his life. During filming of the Netflix movie “Back in Action” opposite Cameron Diaz, it was disclosed that Foxx was abruptly hospitalized in Atlanta. The actor’s condition was unknown to the public but was serious enough for family members to rush to his side. By May, Jamie’s daughter Corinne shared that her dad was home and recovering well. Ever the entertainer, Jamie Foxx ensured that the story of his health scare came straight from him, saving it for a comedy special titled “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…”
Jeremy Renner
So much for ushering in the New Year on a positive note. On New Year’s Day 2023, Jeremy Renner’s life took a shocking turn when he was run over by a 14,000-pound snowplow while trying to help his nephew. The accident left Renner with over 30 broken bones and required multiple surgeries. Despite the severity of his injuries, the “Avengers” star showed remarkable resilience, constantly updating fans about his progress, and even (miraculously) walking again within months. Renner’s recovery has been nothing short of inspiring, proving he’s truly as tough in real life as he is in the movies!
Which harrowing celebrity “close-call” do you remember hearing about? Share your recollections in the comments below.
