About MY FATAL FIRST DATE: A TRUE LIFE STORY OF SURVIVAL, TRAGEDY , INSPIRATION, TRIUMPH, AND FAITH By Christopher Smith:
Fatal First Date is the harrowing yet inspiring true story of Chris Smith, a rural Illinois contractor who was shot in the head on a first date gone tragically wrong. His date was murdered by her stalking ex-boyfriend—Chris survived, but barely.
Waking up paralyzed and voiceless, Chris begins a long road to recovery, with humor, grit, and a bullet still in his brain. Nicknamed “Bullet Boy,” he shares how gardening, his loyal dog Tiki, and unwavering family support helped him reclaim his life.
Told with raw honesty, faith, and surprising laughter, Chris’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to heal after trauma—and proof that even in the darkest moments, hope can still bloom.
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Author Bio:
Chris Smith, a 49-year-old from Farmersville, Illinois, survived a gunshot wound to the head during a first date with Leslie Reeves in November 2021. Reeves was killed, and Smith was found with a bullet lodged in his brain. After emergency surgery and a medically induced coma, he awoke in January 2022 with no memory of the incident. Doctors doubted he’d walk again, and he was left with partial paralysis in his left leg. Defying expectations, Smith has made significant strides through physical therapy, returned to singing with his rock band, and became engaged to Michelle Albrecht. He now aspires to be a motivational speaker, sharing his story of resilience.