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Chef Recovers from Near-Fatal Accident to Revive Culinary Career
Chad Newman relearns to cook, walk, and compete in triathlons after being hit by a car while biking in Chicago
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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Two-and-a-half years after a near-fatal accident that left him clinging to life, Chicago chef Chad Newman is making a remarkable recovery and returning to his first love - cooking. Newman was hit by a car while biking on DuSable Lakeshore Drive in 2023, suffering a traumatic brain injury that required extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic functions like walking and talking. But through determination and the support of his medical team and partner, Newman is not only cooking again, but also competing in triathlons and relaunching his catering business.
Why it matters
Newman's story highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His journey from the "edge of death" to reviving his culinary career inspires others facing major setbacks, showing that with the right mindset and support system, recovery and reinvention are possible.
The details
In July 2023, Newman was riding his bike and attempting to cross DuSable Lakeshore Drive near East Monroe Street when he was hit by a car. He was immediately rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Magill performed emergency surgery to treat Newman's traumatic brain injury. Magill said Newman was "essentially in a coma" and "on the edge of death" during the initial stages of his recovery. Over the following months, Newman had to relearn basic motor functions and skills through rigorous physical and occupational therapy.
- On July 31, 2023, Newman was hit by a car while biking in Chicago.
- In the immediate aftermath, Newman underwent emergency surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
- Over the next two-and-a-half years, Newman went through extensive rehabilitation to relearn how to walk, talk, and cook again.
The players
Chad Newman
A Chicago chef who was hit by a car while biking in 2023, suffering a traumatic brain injury that required a long recovery process to regain basic functions.
Dr. Stephen Magill
The neurosurgeon who performed emergency surgery on Newman and helped oversee his recovery.
Kelly
Newman's partner, who was there to support him every step of the way during his recovery.
What they’re saying
“I don't remember getting hit. I don't remember being picked up by paramedics.”
— Chad Newman (WGN-TV)
“He was essentially in a coma. Just some reflexes. His whole body was posturing, we call it, during surgery. But, basically, he was on the edge of death.”
— Dr. Stephen Magill, Neurosurgeon (WGN-TV)
“They were there for me every step of the way. Kelly was there for me from the minute that I got to Northwestern.”
— Chad Newman (WGN-TV)
What’s next
Newman plans to relaunch his catering business, Bucatini, and continue competing in triathlons as part of his ongoing recovery.
The takeaway
Chad Newman's remarkable journey from the "edge of death" to reviving his culinary career and athletic pursuits demonstrates the power of determination, a strong support system, and the human body's incredible capacity for healing and resilience. His story inspires others facing major setbacks to keep pushing forward and never give up on their dreams.
