Emily Willis' brother shares haunting final text messages before being left 'permanently disabled'
Emily Willis' brother has shared tragic messages that he received from the adult star before she was checked into a rehabilitation clinic.
The 27-year-old has been left paralysed following a reported heart attack during her stay at the Summit Malibu.
A settlement was later awarded to the former adult film star and her family after a lawsuit claimed she was the victim of a a 'horrendous breakdown in clinical care' while attending the facility.
Those closest to her alleged that her 'health was ignored until it was too late', causing her life to change 'forever'. After more than a year of court showdowns, an agreement has now finally been reached.
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In January 2024, Willis had checked into the facility for treatment for a ketamine addiction. She was later found unconscious in her room and was rushed to hospital.
Willis ended up in a coma , 'permanently disabled' and was at one point said to be in a 'vegetative state'. The defendants denied wrongdoing and did not admit liability.
Following a lawsuit, it was said that Willis would receive roughly $1.25 million of the $3m settlement after attorney fees and liens. It alleged neglect during her treatment. Over $100,000 was raised via a GoFundMe.
According to court documents, Willis’ health deteriorated during her stay and she allegedly experienced symptoms such as dehydration, infection, and severe physical distress that were not properly addressed by staff.
Speaking to TMZ in July, Willis' mum, Yesenia Cooper, said that while the star is not verbal, she can communicate with her eyes and by shaking her head. It's said she can understand roughly 80 percent of what's going on.
Cooper says Willis is improving, 'getting better day by day' and continues to fight to 'live the best life possible', however she is fully paralysed and needs around-the-clock care.
A harrowing text from January 2024 has now been shared by Willis' brother Michael, showing what she sent him before checking into the facility and going offline.
As per the Daily Mail, it read: "Hey Bubs, I am about to check in. I might not have my phone. So, if you don't hear from me in the next seven days, that's why!!
"Then I get my phone back after detox."
Michael then wrote back: "I love you. You got this make sure you come out of this with a plan forward miss you tons proud you're taking care of yourself call me when you can."
Emily Willis' medical timeline
27 January 2024
Willis, then aged 25, checks into rehab facility Summit Malibu after developing a ketamine addiction, with legal documents saying she had been ‘ingesting five to six grams per day for a year’.
She also suffers from bladder inflammation, night terrors, anxiety, and PTSD, and was 16 pounds underweight.
30 January 2024
According to Summit Malibu’s notes (as detailed in legal filings), Willis was described as ‘disheveled, frail, disoriented’, and as having difficulty walking.
3 February 2024
Emergency services were called to Summit Malibu with Willis having difficulty breathing, but she was not transported to hospital.
4 February 2024
Willis is found unconscious in her room. Paramedics perform CPR for 30 to 40 minutes and rush her to hospital.
1 March 2024
Willis’ family launches a GoFundMe amid mounting medical bills.
8 March 2024
Willis’ family write on their GoFundMe: “Emily remains in a vegetative coma and is fighting for her life.”
2 May 2024
Willis’ family write: “Emily is showing some signs of responsiveness like eye tracking but is still unable to communicate.”
27 December 2024
Willis’ mother Yesenia Lara Cooper files a lawsuit against Malibu Lighthouse Treatment, the parent company of Summit Malibu, alleging they failed to care for Willis adequately and blaming them for her daughter becoming permanently disabled.
She alleges abuse of a dependent adult, professional negligence, general negligence, and unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices.
The treatment centre denies wrongdoing and claims Willis refused treatment.
November 2025
Willis' attorney James A. Morris, Jr. tells The Mirror US she 'remains bedridden due to her neurological injuries' and is unable to talk, but can make outward noises and 'move her body somewhat'.
15 July 2026
A Santa Monica judge approved a $3 million settlement. Malibu Lighthouse Treatment continues to deny wrongdoing and does not admit liability.
James Holt