Drag Race star details her injuries after ‘near fatal’ accident: ‘My life changed forever’
Ilona Verley from Canada’s Drag Race (BBC)
Ilona Verley from Canada's Drag Race (BBC)
Drag Race star Ilona Verley has shared an update on their recovery following a near fatal accident in June.
The Two-Spirit drag queen, who appeared on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, posted last month to say they “almost lost [their] life” after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
A GoFundMe set up to raise money for Verley’s recovery stated that injuries included multiple lacerations, a broken nose, dislocated jaw, concussion, a fractured spine and more. Currently the GoFundMe has raised nearly $21,000 (Canadian dollars – £11,416) of the $24,000 target.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (15 July) Verley shared an update of their recovery one month on from the accident. A short video showed Verley’s injuries over the last month. It started with them in a hospital bed wearing a neck brace and covered in blood to the current scarring.
“It’s been really hard learning how to live in an injured body,” they wrote in the caption. “I am a mentally strong person which has my mind feeling okay most days which makes it hard to remember my body isn’t there yet.”
Verley said they are “learning to give myself grace and be patient,” whilst they recover. They also said they can walk and sit up “without major pain” and that most of their bruising has faded. Verley added that “with a lot of makeup I’ve been able to make myself look half decent.”
They thanked people for the support and said they’d been “sleeping A LOT,” so hadn’t been responding to messages. “I just want to be honest on that so no one thinks I’m ignoring them,” they continued.
Verley also thanked people for their donations to the GoFundMe. They said, “I am forever great full to all who have made this recovery something I haven’t had to fear.”
As they ended the caption they said they’ve been feeling “more like a human” in the last week. They’ve been enjoying “small outings and a couple trips home to spend time in my own space.” Verley then added they’re still waiting on a spine specialist appointment, which has been rescheduled twice.
After Verley’s accident, the Drag Race star was flooded with well wishes from fans and contestants alike.
“I’m so glad you’re alive. We got you, babe — sending you so much love,” wrote Canada’s Drag Race season four’s Venus, while Lemon added: “Sending you love and hoping your recovery is quick and as pain free as possible.”
