Jordan Ellis
In February 2021, actress and activist Ashley Judd suffered a serious leg injury while hiking in the Democratic Republic Congo. Judd revealed during an Instagram Live that she had shattered her leg in a remote part of the country and was subsequently evacuated to a hospital in South Africa, where she underwent surgery and spent nine days in the ICU. Judd has since returned to the United States for further treatment and recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of injury | February 2021 |
| Location of injury | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Type of injury | Shattered leg |
| Time taken to reach hospital | 55 hours |
| Hospital location | Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Hospital department | ICU trauma unit |
| Length of hospital stay in South Africa | 9 days |
| Subsequent hospital location | Tennessee |
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What You'll Learn
- Ashley Judd was in the ICU in South Africa after shattering her leg in the Congo
- Judd spent 55 harrowing hours in the Congolese rainforest before being evacuated
- Judd was treated at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Judd was medevaced to Tennessee after nine days in South Africa
- Judd underwent an 8-hour surgery to repair her leg and is now recovering
Ashley Judd was in the ICU in South Africa after shattering her leg in the Congo
In February 2021, Ashley Judd, an American actress and activist, suffered a severe injury while hiking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Judd, an avid adventurer and martial artist, shattered her leg in four places during the excursion. The accident occurred due to a faulty headlamp, which made it difficult for her to see, causing her to trip over a fallen tree.
Judd was in the Congolese rainforest when the accident happened. She spent an hour and a half in a hammock, being carried out of the rainforest by her "Congolese brothers," who were barefoot and navigated challenging terrain to bring her to safety. Judd then rode on the back of a motorcycle for six hours to reach a spot where she could be rescued. She spent the night in a hut in the city of Jolu and was then flown to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for a 24-hour layover.
Recognizing the severity of her injuries, Judd was eventually transported to South Africa for specialized treatment. She underwent surgery and received intensive care in a South African hospital. The journey to the hospital from the accident site took a grueling 55 hours. Judd expressed gratitude for the life-saving help she received and acknowledged her privilege in being able to access medical care promptly. She also highlighted the disparity in access to healthcare between herself and many people from the Congo, who often lack even basic pain medication.
Judd's accident brought attention to the challenges of accessing medical care in remote areas. She shared her experience to raise awareness and advocate for improved healthcare infrastructure in the Congo. Despite the traumatic experience, Judd expressed her deep love for the country and her intention to return. Her resilience and determination to recover were evident, and she was grateful for the outpouring of support she received during her challenging time.
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Judd spent 55 harrowing hours in the Congolese rainforest before being evacuated
In February 2021, Ashley Judd, an American actress and activist, was involved in a serious accident in the Congolese rainforest. Judd, who was in the Congo as part of a group researching bonobos, shattered her leg in four places and suffered nerve damage. What followed was a harrowing 55-hour ordeal before she was evacuated and received medical treatment.
For the first five hours after her accident, Judd lay on the forest floor, biting a stick due to the excruciating pain and howling like a wild animal, as she later described. Judd then had to endure a six-hour motorbike ride to a hut, during which she had to physically hold together the top part of her shattered tibia. She spent the night in the hut before being transported by plane to a hospital in South Africa, where she underwent surgery.
Judd's evacuation and treatment were complicated by the lack of infrastructure and healthcare access in the Congolese rainforest. In an Instagram post, Judd noted that many people in the DRC would have lost their leg or their life in a similar situation due to the lack of affordable transportation and medical care. She also highlighted the resilience of the Congolese people and expressed gratitude to those who helped her during her ordeal.
Judd's accident brought attention to the extreme poverty and lack of resources in the region. In an interview with New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, Judd discussed the lack of access to healthcare, medication, and other essential services in the Congo. She also used her platform to advocate for organizations supporting the region, such as the Friends of UNFPA, which provides support to the United Nations Population Fund.
Judd's experience in the Congolese rainforest highlighted the disparities in access to healthcare and other basic services between developed and developing regions. Her evacuation and treatment were made possible by her privilege and access to resources, which many locals in the Congo lack.
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Judd was treated at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
In February 2021, Ashley Judd was hospitalised after shattering her leg while hiking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She was transported for 55 hours to reach a hospital for surgery in South Africa.
Judd received treatment at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sunninghill Hospital is one of South Africa's premier private healthcare facilities, located in the exclusive Sandton area in Gauteng. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art medical facilities and the country's top specialists. It is easily accessible, situated between 30 to 45 minutes away from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Sunninghill Hospital is renowned for its cardiology and paediatric units, with complicated cardiac procedures being broadcast worldwide as part of training workshops for healthcare professionals. The hospital also offers a wide range of medical specialties, including orthopaedics, neurology, and pulmonology. Their reputation extends to their renal unit, brain lab, and sleep lab, showcasing the comprehensive nature of their medical services.
The hospital's world-class status attracts international patients like Judd, ensuring they receive the best care under the supervision of South Africa's leading medical professionals. This reputation for excellence likely contributed to Judd's decision to seek treatment at Sunninghill Hospital following her injury in the Congo.
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Judd was medevaced to Tennessee after nine days in South Africa
In February 2021, Ashley Judd, an American actress and activist, severely injured her leg in a hiking accident in the Democratic Republic Congo. Judd endured a 55-hour rescue operation, during which her leg was reset by her Congolese companions. She was then transported by hammock, motorcycle, and plane to a hospital in South Africa.
Upon arrival at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, Judd was in critical condition. Her leg had no pulse, and she required a blood transfusion. Judd expressed immense gratitude to the medical team, particularly Dr. Eugene Greeff, for their life-saving care and stabilization of her leg. She spent approximately nine days in the South African hospital.
Following her initial treatment and stabilization, Judd was medevaced to Tennessee. She and her father were transported back to the United States via air ambulance, enduring a 22-hour journey. Upon her return to the US, Judd continued her recovery and underwent an 8-hour surgery to repair her leg and address the severe soft tissue damage and swelling.
Judd's accident and subsequent evacuation highlight the importance of timely and effective medical care. Judd's decision to share her experience has inspired many of her followers, who have also shared their stories of perseverance and recovery from injuries. Additionally, Judd's advocacy for global humanitarian causes, including her efforts in the Congo, has fostered a close relationship with South Africans over the years.
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Judd underwent an 8-hour surgery to repair her leg and is now recovering
In February 2021, actress and activist Ashley Judd suffered a severe leg injury while hiking in the Democratic Republic Congo. Judd, who was researching endangered bonobo apes, tripped over a fallen tree and shattered her leg. She endured a grueling 55-hour journey to reach a hospital in South Africa, where she underwent initial treatment and stabilization of her leg. Judd's injury was severe, with her leg broken in four places and suffering from significant tissue and nerve damage.
After spending 10 days in the South African hospital, Judd made a 22-hour journey back to the United States for further treatment. Once the tissue damage and swelling had reduced, she underwent an eight-hour surgery to repair her leg. The procedure involved repairing the bones, decompressing the hemorrhaging nerve, and removing bone shards from the nerve.
Judd has expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for her, both in South Africa and the United States. She has also thanked her father, who provided critical support and accompanied her to South Africa. In the months following her surgery, Judd underwent intensive physical therapy and has since made a "stunning recovery". She has shared updates with her fans, including photos of herself walking in the Alps two and a half years after the accident.
Judd's accident and recovery have brought attention to the challenges of accessing medical care in remote areas, as well as the importance of insurance and support for those without it. Judd has used her platform to advocate for those who may not have the same access to treatment that she did.
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Frequently asked questions
No, she was discharged after spending nine days in a South African hospital.
Judd suffered a shattered leg while hiking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2021.
Judd was initially hospitalised at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was later transported to a hospital in Tennessee, USA.
It took 55 harrowing hours to transport Judd to the hospital in South Africa.
