Christa Pike's lawyer: She woke up and began talking
Video. Christa Pike has regained consciousness after surviving two supposedly lethal doses of pentobarbital during a botched execution. Her lawyer says Pike was believed to be brain dead and close to being taken off life support before unexpectedly waking up and speaking.
Updated: 08/10/2026 - 10:51 GMT+2
Christa Pike has regained consciousness after surviving a botched execution at a Tennessee prison last week, according to her lawyer, Randy Spivey.
Pike survived two supposedly lethal doses of pentobarbital during the execution and was later believed to be brain dead. Her life support was expected to be withdrawn.
But on Tuesday, Pike unexpectedly woke up and began talking, Spivey said.
Her first reported words were: “Where am I and who are you?”
Spivey said Pike is now aware that the state attempted to execute her, although it remains unclear how much she remembers. He said she faces a long road to recovery.
Watch the video for more.
