Emily Willis Left Disabled After Cardiac Arrest in Rehab
Emily Willis, the former adult film star born Litzy Lara Banuelos, is now permanently disabled after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for addiction at a California rehab center.
The incident happened in January 2024, shortly after Willis checked into Summit Malibu, a private facility where she hoped to overcome her ketamine addiction. Just days into her stay, she went into cardiac arrest, resulting in a severe brain injury that left her in a coma for two months.
Family Claims Negligence by Rehab Center
Following the tragic incident, Willis’ family hired attorney James Morris to represent them in a lawsuit against the rehab facility. They claim she was not under the influence of ketamine when she arrived at Summit Malibu or during her stay, raising serious questions about the events that led to her collapse.
According to Morris, the cardiac arrest caused an anoxic brain injury, a condition that happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long. When a nurse found her unresponsive, CPR was performed for nearly 30 to 40 minutes before her heart started beating again.
Condition Update: She Can Move, Make Sounds
As of February 2025, her attorney confirmed that Willis has regained limited movement and can make sounds, though her cognitive response is unclear.
“She does make outward noises from time to time, and she does move her body somewhat,” Morris shared. “Her eyes track movement, but we don’t yet know how much she understands.”
She is now being cared for by her mother in Utah, where she receives daily support and medical supervision.
Medical Experts Brought In
Morris said the legal team is bringing in a physiatrist—a medical expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation—who will assess her current condition and cognitive awareness. The goal is to determine how much she comprehends and what long-term care she might need.“We’re hoping this expert can give us a better understanding of her condition and the extent of her injuries,” Morris stated.
