Shawn Bradley: Accident| What happened to| Paralyzed| Wife

The Accident: A Split-Second That Changed Everything

On January 20, 2021, while cycling near his St. George, Utah, home, Bradley was rear-ended by a vehicle. The collision caused significant spinal cord trauma, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He was hospitalized for eight intensive weeks and underwent neck fusion surgery to stabilize his injury The SunNew York Post.

Because of his rare height and body size, the medical response had to be highly customized. Bradley required specially adapted beds, showers, wheelchairs, and treatment accommodations—underscoring the unprecedented nature of his injury for someone of his stature.

Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Home Life

Bradley’s recovery has involved grueling therapy and remarkable mental perseverance. Sports Illustrated chronicled his daily life—rehab efforts, struggles with spasms, personal frustrations, and seemingly small victories like shifting himself or putting on a shirt with minimal help. Even transferring from wheelchair to bed proved arduous: caregivers used crane-like devices, and both he and his wife Carrie navigated each step with fortitude.

Their home posed unique challenges. Originally designed for Bradley’s height, the house was impractical now—basement gyms, home theater, even the pool were out of reach. Carrie now sleeps upstairs while Shawn is on the first floor; doorways, tracks, and layout require constant adaptation. They ultimately began designing a wheelchair-accessible house in Dallas with a purpose-built layout and accessible environment.

The Heart-and-Soul: Carrie, His Wife

Bradley remarried in 2018, wedding Carrie Cannon, who brought three children into their blended family, joining his six from his previous marriage Talksport+1.

Carrie’s support has been pivotal. She meticulously handled their home adaptations, medical logistics, and day-to-day care. In interviews, Bradley acknowledged how profoundly she’s shouldered the burden: “I don’t know how I can ease the burden of me,” he confessed. Carrie described the accident’s ripple effect on the family, saying, “It’s a domino effect. Our family has been forever changed”

Mental Struggle, Faith, and Finding Strength

The emotional toll was immense. Bradley openly admitted to thoughts of hopelessness—“Maybe it’d be better if this was just all over”—though he never acted on them. Faith has been his anchor. He spoke about the challenge of losing 90% of the life he cherished—activity, family time, basketball—but still holding onto positivity: “You can find triumph in tragedy…”.

Therapy adjustments and tweaks translate into triumphs. Whether relearning to feed himself or rising up in his wheelchair just enough to stand taller, each milestone is celebrated by the Bradleys as evidence of progress—and resilience.

A Public Return: The BIG3 Appearance

After years away from the spotlight, Bradley made a rare public appearance at a BIG3 league event in August 2025—talking with Shaquille O’Neal and posing for photos together. His presence at the event served as a powerful symbol of his enduring spirit.

Life Today: Resilience Personified

• Function: Bradley retains some sensation in his hands, chest, and back—enough to perform minor movements and self-care tasks.

• Home Plans: Ongoing plans involve designing a fully accessible home in Texas to better suit his mobility and independence needs.

• Public Interest: His story continues to resonate—fans, peers, and media regard him as an emblem of persistence and grace under immense challenge.

Conclusion

Shawn Bradley’s journey—from towering NBA defenseman to a quadriplegic navigating a drastically changed world—is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His recovery, centered on faith, family, and unyielding spirit, reflects a story of transformation. Carrie Bradley’s unwavering support provides a poignant testament to love’s capacity to persist through adversity. Together, they continue a path defined not by limits, but by courage, adaptability, and hope.