Lucky to Be Alive: Jake E. Lee on Bullet That Missed Spine
Jake E. Lee, the renowned guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne, expressed his profound relief that the second of three bullets that struck him during a terrifying late-night incident in October narrowly missed his spine. This harrowing experience has led Lee to share the shocking details of the assault that occurred just outside his Las Vegas residence. He bravely intervened when he noticed two young men attempting to steal a motorcycle. In a frantic turn of events, one of the assailants opened fire, unleashing a barrage of 15 shots aimed at both him and his loyal dog, underscoring the sheer danger he faced that night.
In his recent updates, Lee elaborated on the second bullet’s impact, revealing that it took him a considerable amount of time to process just how close he had come to potentially facing paralysis due to the injury. His insights into this frightening ordeal highlight the physical and emotional toll it took on him. This experience is not just a story of survival but also a reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected challenges it can present.
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Reflecting on the moment of the second shot, Lee shared his experience on Facebook, stating, “The second bullet felt nothing like the first.” He described the initial bullet’s sensation as a burning pain, while the second shot delivered a forceful impact that knocked the breath out of him, akin to being struck by a baseball bat. The trajectory of the bullet was alarming; it penetrated his mid-back and exited from the left side, fracturing his 10th and 11th ribs and puncturing his left lung. Surprisingly, he rated the pain from this injury as a mere 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating that it was not as excruciating as one might expect for such a severe wound.
Upon the arrival of paramedics, Lee recalled how they swiftly assessed his condition by asking if he could move his legs. Their repeated reassurances that he was incredibly fortunate resonated with him during the ride to the hospital. In the emergency room, he faced the same inquiries, and the medical staff appeared visibly impressed by his ability to move. Over the next few days, as nurses attended to his wounds, they frequently mentioned how close he had come to a catastrophic spinal injury, further emphasizing the gravity of his situation and the importance of prompt medical care in trauma cases.
Jake E. Lee’s Surprising Reaction Upon Seeing His Bullet Wound
After a few days in the hospital, once he was discharged, Lee’s daughter, Jade, took on the task of redressing his back wound. During this process, she exclaimed, “Oh my God, Dad,” prompting Lee to request a photo to understand the extent of the injury that had sparked such reactions from those around him. The image revealed the stark reality of the situation, leading him to wonder how he had managed to escape without sustaining spinal damage. The photographs she captured showcased the bullet’s entry point in his mid-back and the exit wound on his left side.
Lee explained that the initial injury to his lung required a drainage tube to eliminate the accumulated blood, but thankfully, the lung has since cleared up, and the ribs are healing well. He expressed a sense of gratitude for what he considered a fortunate outcome, acknowledging the severity of the event while recognizing how much worse it could have been.
(Disclaimer: the photos included below may be graphic in nature.)
In his ongoing narrative, Lee mentioned that his next update would focus on the wound he incurred to his foot, which he noted felt entirely different compared to the previous injuries. He concluded this reflection on a hopeful note, stating, “After I document that, I will put this incident behind me and focus on the future!” This outlook reflects his resilience and determination to move forward despite the traumatic experience.
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Gallery Credit: Ultimate Classic Rock Staff