Answer to the direct question
Christopher Reeve died on October 10, 2004. He passed at age 52 in New York City as a result of cardiac arrest following severe respiratory complications. Reeve had been in declining health since a fall from a horse in 1995 caused a traumatic spinal cord injury, which left him paralyzed and required long-term medical support. The date is widely documented in obituaries, biographies, and authoritative news archives from 2004.
Clarifying common confusion about the date
Because Reeve remained publicly active in advocacy and appeared in media after 1995, some people misremember or assume he died earlier or later than 2004. His high profile, frequent public appearances, and ongoing research work contributed to uncertainty about his actual date of death. This section clarifies timeline confusion and explains why the verified date is October 10, 2004.
The 1995 injury and transition to full-time advocacy
In May 1995, Reeve suffered a catastrophic C1–C2 spinal fracture while riding a horse in equestrian competition. The accident left him tetraplegic and ventilator-dependent initially. After acute care and rehabilitation, he transitioned to a role focused on advocacy, research fundraising, and public speaking, which kept him in the public eye for nearly a decade before his death.
Timeline of health decline and final months
In the years leading to 2004, Reeve experienced episodes of cardiac stress, infection, and respiratory challenges. In October 2004, he developed worsening respiratory symptoms and was hospitalized in New York City. He died on October 10, 2004, from cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory failure. The timeline is documented in obituaries and official death records.
Documented biographical details around his death
The following table summarizes key, verifiable attributes related to Christopher Reeve’s death and its context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | October 10, 2004 | Obituary, official records |
| Location | NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA | Hospital and news reports |
| Age at death | 52 years old | Biographies and census-linked obituaries |
| Cause of death | Cardiac arrest due to respiratory failure | Medical reports and news accounts |
| Primary injury | C1–C2 spinal fracture from horse fall (May1995) | Biographical and medical literature |
Impact and legacy after the 1995 injury
Although Reeve’s life after 1995 centered on advocacy, scientific fundraising, and public engagement, his death in 2004 marked the end of a prominent physical symbol of recovery optimism for spinal cord research. His foundation and collaborations helped seed early work in neural repair, stem cells, and rehabilitation technologies. The lasting impact of his efforts is distinct from, but often confused with, the circumstances of his passing.
Public memory and why the date matters
Public memory sometimes compresses or shifts the timeline of major cultural figures. Confirming that Christopher Reeve died on October 10, 2004 helps historians, educators, and media maintain accuracy when referencing his life, advocacy, and influence. Clear dates support responsible storytelling around disability advocacy, medical research milestones, and the evolution of public awareness in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Summary of key facts
- Christopher Reeve died on October 10, 2004.
- He was 52 years old and in New York City at the time of death.
- Cause of death was cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory failure.
- He had lived with the consequences of a spinal cord injury since 1995.
- His death followed a documented decline in health over several months.
Tags
Christopher Reeve, date of death, verified facts, spinal cord injury, October 10 2004