Former adult film star Emily Willis was hit with another tragedy before she was hospitalized because of her health issues.

Although Emily was hospitalized last week, she lost her best friend last year. The X-rated entertainer took to her Instagram account on April 5, 2023, to share a carousel post filled with pictures of her and her bestie. Emily’s caption was long, and heartfelt as she memorialized her “soul sister” among many other things.

“I don’t know where to start or end, but I’m happy that the cosmos decided to connect us,” Emily wrote.

“I met you almost 5 years ago and never let go. My heart feels so empty knowing I won’t be able to call or see you anymore. My soul sister,ride or die, big sister,” she continued. “I can’t think of a better friend. The truest soul, most supportive, selfless, energy connecter, idk I could go on and on about you. I love you, bb girl.”

Emily added: “I’m gonna miss you more than you’ll ever know but I know you’re here. I love you forever Steph. Rest easy baby girl. You’ll always be with me,” ending with some heart emojis.

A year after the death of her friend, Emily’s health issues were unveiled. Her family confirmed that she had come out of a “vegetative coma” induced by a cardiac arrest in February 2024. On February 5, Emily was rushed to a hospital in Thousand Oaks, California, after becoming seriously ill.

Although she slipped into a coma, she has since woken up from it. Even though Emily regained consciousness, she remains unable to speak and can only track objects with her eyes, as the latest GoFundMe update indicates. Dr. Gareth Nye, Programme Lead for Medical Science at the University of Chester, has provided insight into Emily’s current mysterious condition.

Dr.Nye explained that though it’s unclear what caused her sudden illness, the path to recovery after a “traumatic event such as this and recovery from a coma is even more difficult” and coming out from a coma is incredibly challenging.

“What we are seeing here is the damage to the brain following a lack of oxygen after the cardiac arrest,” Dr. Nye told the Daily Star. “It is encouraging to see that she seems to be conscious, recognises people and can track with her eyes. However, it is highly likely she is suffering from a condition called locked-in syndrome.”

Dr. Nye explained that locked-in syndrome “is a condition caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain stem which is a crucial portion of our brain.”