Los Angeles, California — Netflix actor Clayton Conroy is continuing his recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures when he was allegedly struck by a driver traveling at 100 miles per hour in April.
The 32-year-old actor, known for his role in Netflix’s The Gringo Hunters, was hit on April 19 after meeting friends at a local bar. According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Conroy’s mother said her son had not been drinking that night because he was scheduled to work the following day.
The crash left Conroy hospitalized and facing a long physical and cognitive recovery.
Conroy Woke Up in the Hospital
Conroy recalled the moments before the crash as seemingly ordinary.
“The road was looking as normal as it could, just lights on the road behind me,” he told the outlet. “I did, perhaps, notice certain lights approaching quickly. From there, I woke up in the hospital.”
He was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where doctors determined that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury along with a fractured hip and shoulder.
Looking back on the accident and his recovery, Conroy said he feels fortunate despite the challenges that remain.
“I’m feeling different but, I guess, lucky or happy that it could be much worse,” Conroy told the Sentinel of his recovery journey. “[I’m] trying not to take things for granted.”
Actor Faces a Long Recovery
Conroy’s recovery has involved significant changes to his mobility and daily routine.
He initially relied on a rollator to walk, later progressed to using a cane and has now begun taking short walks without assistance, according to the Sentinel.
However, the actor continues to experience headaches, brain fog and cognitive fatigue as he works through the effects of his injuries.
“That process, you really don’t have control over it,” he told the outlet. “You just have to rest and hope that it gets better and better.”
The recovery process has also given Conroy time to reflect on his life and priorities.
The actor said the experience has encouraged him to “think a lot about what’s important in life.”
“At the end of the day, you never really know what’s going to happen,” he added.
Alleged Driver Arrested Months Later
The crash also led to criminal charges against the alleged driver.
On Aug. 25, California Highway Patrol arrested Noor El Deen Amr Soror, 19, of Anaheim, California. He was charged with felony reckless driving causing major injuries in connection with the crash, according to a CHP press release.
CHP Central Los Angeles Captain Martin Geller emphasized the potential consequences of dangerous driving.
“This incident is another reminder that reckless driving is not only dangerous, it can have devastating and life-changing consequences,” Geller said in a statement. “Speeding, unsafe maneuvers, and other reckless behavior behind the wheel put everyone on the roadway at risk.”
The charges remain allegations, and Soror is entitled to due process.
Great White Shark Tears Into Seal Just Feet From Nantucket Beach in Wild Video
Conroy Appeared in The Gringo Hunters
Before the crash, Conroy was gaining recognition for his role in Netflix’s The Gringo Hunters, a series based on a real Mexican police unit that pursues American fugitives attempting to escape criminal charges by crossing the border.
Conroy played Padre Terry, a Catholic priest who is arrested and detained by the police unit.
His acting career has now been temporarily overshadowed by an intensely personal recovery that has required months of rehabilitation and support from those around him.
“It Does Get Better”
In a July Instagram post, Conroy shared photographs from his hospital stay and recovery. The images showed him working to regain mobility with help from friends and family, as well as playing guitar.
“Summer turned out a lot different than I ever thought it would,” he began the caption. “Got hit by a guy going over 100. Had brain surgery. Was supposed to die. Spent my birthday in the hospital. Lost 20 pounds. Severed nerves in my arm and fractured bones in my leg. Still can’t walk. But I’ve had time to think about a lot.”
“Idk just don’t take anything for granted,” Conroy added. “Oh and friends + family will get you through anything. And justice isn’t given. You have to fight for it.”
Five months after the crash, Conroy shared another update on Instagram on Sunday, Sept. 20, saying he was finally feeling well enough to speak publicly about his recovery.
“It’s been getting better,” he said in the video. “Every day, and I just wanted to hop on and say that you might have dark times. There might be dark days, dark months, even. But it does get better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”
For Conroy, the road to recovery remains ongoing, but his latest update shows a gradual return of mobility and a determination to keep moving forward.
What do you think about Clayton Conroy’s message after everything he has been through? Share your thoughts and support for the actor in the comments below.
