Christie Brinkley feels an ongoing sense of gratitude every day, especially when reflecting on a life-altering ski accident that happened 31 years ago. Back in 1994, she was on a heli-skiing adventure in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains when the helicopter unexpectedly nosedived during a sharp turn.
In her upcoming memoir, “Uptown Girl,” Brinkley dives into the details of this traumatic event. She recalls carrying soil from Chimayo, New Mexico, a revered pilgrimage site known for its alleged healing powers, which she had visited just weeks before the crash.
Brinkley, now 71, mentioned to Fox News Digital that, despite feeling anxious that day, she sprinkled the dirt in the helicopter, nearly as a prayer for safety. She recalled thinking, “Oh, magic dirt, do your thing and take care of us” before they took off.
The flight quickly turned terrifying as the helicopter hit a mountainside. Brinkley described the moment as chaotic, with elements flying around her while she fought to grip anything within reach but was pinned down by forces she couldn’t see. It felt surreal, she noted, as she buzzed between fears of death and visions of her daughter, Alexa Ray.
While the crash caused significant damage, miraculously, no one aboard lost their life. Search and rescue teams arrived swiftly, transporting all to safety with only injuries to report. Brinkley, who was in Telluride with Alexa at the time, noted that her husband, Billy Joel, was away on tour in Chicago.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Brinkley dealt with severe emotional repercussions, describing bouts of PTSD that followed the crash. The accident marked a turning point not only in her life but also in her marriage to Joel, which ultimately dissolved a few years later.
Now, she emphasizes a healthier lifestyle. Having transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism, she enjoys a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, which she feels has rejuvenated her physical well-being.
Brinkley’s journey since then has been about resilience. She looks toward the sunlight and beauty around her every day, learning to appreciate life anew while also confronting the memories of that fateful day. The lessons from the crash still resonate with her as she continues to move forward, embracing both the magic and challenges life throws her way.
