Nearly two decades after Richard Hammond survived a near-fatal crash
while filming Top Gear, the popular TV presenter is still grappling with the lingering effects of the traumatic event.
Hammond, now 55, recently revealed how the brain injury he suffered in the crash continues to impact his daily life.
The Crash That Changed Everything
In 2006, Hammond was performing a high-speed stunt in a Vampire jet car at York’s Elvington airfield.
Traveling at 320 mph, one of the vehicle’s tires blew, causing it to spin out of control.
The devastating crash left Hammond in a coma with a serious frontal lobe brain injury.
Looking back on the incident, Hammond has acknowledged the profound impact it has had on his life, sharing that he occasionally fears developing early-onset dementia. His health struggles have also affected his relationships. He admitted feeling “a little hurt” when his daughter Izzy, now an adult, expressed fear about getting in a car with him after the accident.
Living with “Lost Key Syndrome”
Hammond has described a specific condition he lives with, referred to as “lost key syndrome,” likely a colloquial term for dysexecutive syndrome. This condition is associated with damage to the frontal lobe and can result in difficulties with executive functions such as memory and decision-making.
“I think anybody who’s suffered a brain injury will probably agree that it never leaves you,” Hammond told LADBible. “There’s always a part of you that wonders, ‘Is this because of the brain injury, my age, or something else?’”
Despite these challenges, Hammond maintains a sense of humor. “I’m still that irritating bloke from Birmingham,” he joked. “This is just another experience that has shaped who I am today.”
Coping with Memory Issues
The accident has had a lasting effect on Hammond’s memory, a concern he has openly discussed. On the Diary of a CEO podcast, he admitted that his memory is “not brilliant” and that he has developed coping mechanisms, such as writing things down to stay organized.
“I should probably get checked out, but I haven’t yet,” he confessed. “It’s always in the back of my mind.”
The crash also left Hammond suffering from depression and post-traumatic amnesia, which severely impaired his memory for weeks after the accident. His wife, Mindy, has played a crucial role in his recovery, describing him during that period as “the nicest he had ever been” due to his inability to remember much of his daily life.
Facing Mortality and Moving Forward
Hammond’s reflections on the crash have evolved over the years. He now practices mindfulness and emphasizes the importance of talking about difficult experiences. “As you get older, discussing it makes it easier to cope,” he explained.
He also shared his perspective on happiness during recovery: “If someone is in a confused state but happy, that’s what matters. All you can do is support them.”
More Challenges Ahead
Unfortunately, Hammond’s crashes didn’t end with the 2006 incident. In 2017, he was involved in another serious accident while filming The Grand Tour in Switzerland. This time, he was airlifted to a hospital with significant injuries, though he managed to recover.
Hammond has since focused on turning these experiences into lessons about resilience and gratitude. Despite the challenges, he continues to embrace life and his role as a beloved television presenter.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As Hammond’s career progresses, fans of The Grand Tour are preparing for its conclusion. Reports indicate that the show will wrap up in 2026 after a final special set in Zimbabwe.
Through it all, Hammond remains a symbol of perseverance and humor, reminding others that even in the face of life-altering challenges, it’s possible to find strength and purpose. His journey serves as a testament to resilience, shaped by both the highs of television fame and the trials of personal adversity.
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