In February 2024, New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz experienced a stroke that affected his nonverbal abilities. After two significant strokes and a brain bleed, he spent ten days in intensive care before moving to rehab. Remarkably, Shortz resumed making puzzles while hospitalized and made a triumphant appearance at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. His resilience is celebrated, especially after his emotional return to the stage received thunderous applause, highlighting his lasting influence and dedication to the crossword community through his extensive career since 1993.
Shortz recognized the signs: He was having a stroke. Later, at the hospital, he had a second, larger stroke and then a brain bleed - a rare complication.
While still in the hospital, he was making puzzles again, and before his full recovery, he left the rehab facility to attend the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.
"When I came out of the wheelchair and went up onstage, there was just thunderous applause... really brings tears to my eyes to think about it."
He spent ten days in intensive care, prognosis uncertain, before he was stable enough to move to an inpatient rehab center, where he would begin the long work of recovery.
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