The Day Superman Died Twice: Dana Reeve’s Battle With Lung Cancer After Losing Her Husband

When Christopher Reeve died in October 2004 at just 52, people around the world mourned the actor who played Superman. But his death wasn’t the end of the heartbreak. For his wife, Dana Reeve, it was the start of an even harder time.

How They Fell in Love

Dana Morosini met Christopher Reeve in 1987 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Friends said it was like he was struck by lightning when he first saw her perform. They started dating soon after, got married in 1992, and had their son, Will, later that year. They looked like a couple who had everything — a happy family and a strong bond.

Life Changed in an Instant

In May 1995, everything turned upside down when Christopher had a horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed. Many relationships might not have survived, but Dana never thought about leaving. She stood by him and helped him fight for better research and care for people with spinal cord injuries. Dana showed incredible strength, both in public and in private.

“She was his biggest supporter, always making sure he felt like the man he was before the accident,” said a friend.

Another Hard Blow

After Christopher died in October 2004, Dana kept his work going, speaking out for people with spinal cord injuries and raising money for research. But just months later, in August 2005, she got shocking news: she had stage IV lung cancer. Dana had never smoked, which made the diagnosis even harder to understand. She believed it may have come from years of singing in smoky clubs early in her career.

Even while she was sick, Dana kept going. She appeared at events, gave interviews, and talked about how lung cancer can affect anyone. Friends said she stayed positive even when things got worse.

See Them Talk Together

Watch Dana and Christopher in this short 1998 interview—he speaks and she listens. Their bond shines through:

Saying Goodbye

Dana passed away on March 6, 2006, at just 44 years old. In less than two years, Will lost both his parents. People who knew them were heartbroken, saying it felt like Superman died twice. Dana had spent years fighting for Christopher, only to pass away so soon after him.

Will Keeps Their Memory Alive

Today, Will Reeve works as a broadcaster at ABC News (formerly ESPN). He keeps his parents' legacy going through the Foundation they started and his own projects—like a documentary he made called Finding My Father. He talks about what they taught him about love, courage, and never giving up.

“They showed me what real strength looks like,” Will has said. “I want to make them proud.”

Dana’s story shows that heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they just stay strong beside the people they love, no matter how hard life gets.