Drew Barrymore revealed that her daughter suffered a severe e-bike accident during a family vacation in France, requiring hospitalization and showcasing the child’s quick thinking in using her bra as a tourniquet. The incident occurred while riding in the mountains, leading to a significant elbow injury that necessitated emergency medical care.
The accident took place in a remote mountainous area of France, where Barrymore’s daughter was approximately a mile away from the family when she fell off her e-bike. The fall resulted in a deep wound that Barrymore described as having “ripped her whole elbow open,” causing immediate concern due to the isolation and potential for severe bleeding.
In a remarkable display of composure, the daughter quickly assessed the situation and removed her bra to fashion it into a tourniquet. This improvised measure effectively stemmed the bleeding until she could be transported to a hospital, demonstrating resourcefulness beyond her years in a high-pressure emergency.
Barrymore shared these details during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on September 4, 2025, where she humorously noted that the accident happened in “fabulous France,” lightening the serious nature of the story. She explained that the incident forced her to cancel plans with Colbert’s wife, Evelyn, highlighting the unexpected disruption to their vacation.
Following the accident, the daughter received extensive medical treatment, spending several days in and out of the emergency room for care and monitoring. Barrymore assured that her daughter has since made a full recovery, with the injury healing properly and no lasting effects, attributing the positive outcome to prompt medical attention and her daughter’s initial actions.
Expressing pride, Barrymore emphasized that she had not taught her daughter such emergency techniques; it was purely the child’s innate response. She marveled at her daughter’s bravery and quick thinking, noting that it reflects her character and independence, rather than specific parental guidance.
Barrymore, who has two daughters—Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10, with ex-husband Will Kopelman—did not specify which child was involved, maintaining privacy while sharing the story to inspire others. She highlighted the close family dynamics and support system that helped them through the crisis.
This incident underscores the potential risks associated with e-bike usage, especially for young riders in unfamiliar terrains, and emphasizes the importance of safety awareness and emergency preparedness. It also resonates as a human-interest story, blending celebrity life with a narrative of resilience and quick action in adversity.