The Man Who Lived With a Bullet in His Head for Decades

An Extraordinary Medical Case

William Lawlis Pace lived an extraordinary 95 years with a bullet lodged in his head, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest time anyone has survived with such an injury. Shot at the age of eight, Pace's life is a rare example of human resilience and medical curiosity. His story captured attention around the world when news broke that he had lived to be 103 despite his unusual condition.

Cases like Pace's are rare but not unique. Over the years, others have also survived for decades with bullets in their bodies, each story adding to the intrigue of how the human body can sometimes adapt to what seems like insurmountable trauma. Readers continue to be drawn to these accounts, as they challenge our expectations of survival and recovery.

The Man Who Lived With a Bullet in His Head: Overview

Several remarkable cases have been documented where individuals survived for decades with a bullet lodged in their skull. These unique stories draw both public curiosity and serious medical attention due to their rarity and the unusual medical circumstances involved.

Identifying the Key Cases

One of the most well-known cases is that of William Lawlis Pace, a Texas man who was accidentally shot in the head as a child. He lived with the bullet in his head for 94 years and eventually passed away at age 103. This case earned him a place in the Guinness World Records for the longest documented survival with an intracranial bullet.

Another notable incident involved a Polish engineer who lived with a bullet in his head for over 80 years following an accidental shooting at age three. These stories are rare but have been verified by medical documentation and news coverage.

Less publicized, but also noteworthy, are cases where individuals were unaware of the bullet until many years later, sometimes discovering it during scans for unrelated health issues. Table 1 shows a quick comparison of notable cases:

Name Country Years Lived with Bullet Age at Death Circumstance William Lawlis Pace USA 94 103 Childhood accident Polish engineer Russia 80+ Not specified Childhood accident

Why This Story Captivates Medical Experts

Surviving for decades with a bullet lodged in the brain is medically extraordinary. For experts, these cases provide insights into brain resilience, the body’s adaptive responses, and the risks associated with foreign objects in critical areas.

Doctors are especially interested in understanding how complications such as infection, neurological deficits, or lead poisoning can be avoided. In the case of William Lawlis Pace, he lived to an advanced age with minimal neurological impairment, which is highly unusual.

Such incidents challenge assumptions about head trauma prognosis. They also inform surgical decision-making in similar, but more contemporary, cases—sometimes prompting a more conservative, observational approach rather than immediate intervention.

William Lawlis Pace: The Texas Case

William Lawlis Pace became widely recognized for surviving an accident that left a bullet lodged in his head for over nine decades. His experience stands out in both the medical and historical record due to the extraordinary duration he lived with the injury.

Background and Incident Details

William Lawlis Pace was born in Texas in 1909. At the age of 8, he was accidentally shot in the head by his older brother. The incident occurred when his brother, unaware that their father's .22 caliber rifle was loaded, unintentionally discharged the firearm.

The bullet became lodged in Pace’s skull and could not be safely removed. The injury took place in rural Texas, a state where hunting and firearms were common in early 20th century households. Medical resources at the time were limited, especially in smaller communities.

Despite the accident, Pace survived critical childhood years with the bullet still in his head. The family and local doctors monitored his condition, but removal was deemed too risky. The event was traumatic for the family and drew local attention within their Texas community.

Life With a Bullet: Decades of Survival

After the initial incident, William Lawlis Pace went on to live a remarkably long life. He eventually held the Guinness World Record for the longest time anyone had survived with a bullet in their head—an astounding 94 years.

Pace resided primarily in the United States, continuing his life in Texas and later moving to California. Despite carrying a bullet for decades, he lived with few major complications from the injury. His case drew medical curiosity due to the lack of infection or life-threatening symptoms.

Pace passed away at the age of 103, dying peacefully in his sleep. By then, he had become a well-known figure for his endurance and longevity, serving as an example of human resilience. His story is documented in various news sources and is recognized by the Guinness World Records.

The Polish Man in Germany: Herne’s Unusual Story

A Polish man living in Herne, Germany, went years without realizing there was a bullet lodged in his head. His case surprised doctors, highlighting both the unusual nature of his injury and his unexpected survival.

Discovery During Routine X-ray

The discovery occurred by chance when the man, then in his late thirties, went to a hospital in Herne for a routine medical checkup. Doctors performed an X-ray and found a small-caliber bullet embedded at the back of his head.

He had not reported any major head injuries in recent years. When questioned, he recalled feeling a sharp pain and some bleeding at a New Year’s Eve party about five years prior. He had been heavily intoxicated at the time and had dismissed the injury, believing he was hit by fireworks or a similar object.

Police in Germany later confirmed the bullet wound, and investigations suggested he was likely shot while celebrating. The bullet remained unnoticed due to the absence of severe symptoms or infection.

Medical Explanations for His Survival

Doctors were particularly interested in how the man survived for years without serious complications. The bullet did not penetrate vital brain areas or cause significant neurological damage, which is rare for such injuries.

The body’s natural healing responses may have sealed the wound externally, preventing infection and further harm. Medical staff reported that the bullet, likely from a small-caliber firearm, became encased in fibrous tissue over time.

Surprisingly, the man exhibited no major symptoms like chronic pain, memory loss, or neurological deficits. Cases like this are extremely unusual in clinical medicine, especially when discovered so late. The combination of bullet trajectory, caliber, and the man’s own biology contributed to this rare survival.

Medical Insights: Living With a Projectile in the Head

Long-term survival with a bullet in the head is unusual but documented. Cases show that both physical and psychological challenges can persist over time, depending on the location and impact of the projectile.

Challenges in Surgery and Removal

Removing a bullet from the brain poses significant surgical risk. Surgeons must weigh the dangers of extraction—such as brain tissue damage, infection, and bleeding—against the potential benefits. In some instances, doctors decide that leaving the projectile in place is safer than attempting removal.

X-ray imaging is critical for identifying the exact position of the bullet. This imaging helps determine if the projectile is near vital brain regions or blood vessels. If the foreign object is stable and shows no signs of causing further harm, surgery may be avoided.

Over time, scar tissue can form around the bullet, further complicating possible removal. In rare cases, the bullet could migrate or shift, raising urgent concerns. The risks often make doctors prioritize symptom management over intervention.

Possible Psychological Effects

Living with a bullet lodged in the head can have psychological consequences. Some individuals experience ongoing anxiety or worry about the possibility of further injury or complications. Major incidents like this can trigger symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cognitive changes such as memory problems, mood swings, or personality shifts may develop, particularly if the projectile affects areas linked to emotion or behavior. Social isolation and stigma are also possible, as individuals may feel different or misunderstood.

Ongoing mental health support is important. Effective strategies often include counseling, medication, and regular neuropsychological evaluation. Health professionals may also monitor for any delayed symptoms or behavioral changes that could relate to the presence of the foreign object.

Unusual Incidents and Public Reactions

Cases of individuals living with bullets lodged in their bodies for years have drawn surprise, skepticism, and fascination. Specific incidents, such as shootings during celebrations and stories making international headlines, contribute to enduring public interest.

New Year's Eve Shooting

One notable incident involved a man in Russia who was accidentally shot in the head as a child by his brother during a New Year's Eve celebration. The accident happened when a pistol was fired indoors.

Despite the severity of the injury, the bullet remained unnoticed for decades. The man reportedly experienced no major symptoms, which allowed him to lead a normal life without suspecting a foreign object was still in his body.

This case highlights how accidental injuries during holidays can have long-term, unexpected outcomes. Such incidents are rare but not unheard of, especially in countries where firearm ownership is more common or safety measures are sometimes neglected.

Media Coverage and Public Fascination

Media outlets in the United States and Russia have reported on these unusual survival stories over the years. The story of William Lawlis Pace, an American who lived with a bullet in his head for more than 90 years and reached the age of 103, garnered widespread attention and even a Guinness World Record.

Coverage frequently focuses on the medical aspects and personal stories, sparking broader discussions about resilience and medical anomalies. News stories often include interviews with doctors, family members, and the individuals themselves.

Social media and traditional news platforms tend to amplify such stories, generating curiosity and sometimes disbelief. Lists of bizarre medical events often feature such accounts as prime examples of survival against the odds, ensuring they remain part of public conversation for years.

Guinness World Records and Recognition

William Lawlis Pace’s survival stands as an exceptional medical event and is formally documented by Guinness World Records. His unique experience highlights advances in trauma survival and the importance of official recognition in celebrating human endurance.

The Longest Survival After Being Shot in the Head

William Lawlis Pace was accidentally shot in the head as a child in Texas, an event that left a bullet lodged in his skull for the rest of his life. Despite the injury, the bullet never shifted or caused fatal complications.

He lived with the bullet for 94 years, a record verified through medical imaging such as X-rays. In 2006, Guinness World Records officially recognized Pace for the longest survival after being shot in the head.

He lived to the age of 103, gaining international recognition. The record demonstrates not only individual resilience but also draws attention to rare medical cases.

Related Cases and Broader Implications

Numerous documented cases exist of individuals surviving for years with foreign objects, including bullets, inside their bodies. These incidents raise questions about both medical outcomes and the wider social impact of gun-related injuries.

Comparing Global Incidents

Survival after a gunshot wound to the head is rare but not unique to one country. In Russia, a man lived more than eighty years with a bullet lodged in his skull due to an accidental shooting by his brother as a child. In the United States, William Lawlis Pace survived with a bullet in his head for over nine decades, a case formally recognized by the Guinness World Records.

Phineas Gage, an American rail worker in the 1800s, famously survived a metal rod passing through his skull, which brought significant attention to neurological science. Other examples, such as a Memphis man surviving a shooting in 2004 and living with a bullet in his brain, highlight differences in trauma care approaches between countries. Physicians often face complex decisions about removal versus leaving the foreign object in place due to potential medical risks.

These cases draw interest due to the variable medical approaches and survival outcomes in countries with different healthcare systems and gun laws. They also prompt important discussions on recovery rates, long-term complications, and impact on mental health, including depression and trauma.

Legal and Social Consequences

Gun violence producing cases like these often leads to legal proceedings, especially in incidents involving criminal acts, domestic disputes, or stalking. In some regions, gunshot victims may face challenges in accessing ongoing treatment due to healthcare regulations or insurance limits. States in the U.S. have differing laws around liability, compensation, and victim support, affecting both physical and psychological recovery.

Social consequences can include stigma, ongoing trauma, changes in employment status, and disruptions to family life. For those who survive incidents as children—like the Russian case—the psychological and social effects can persist for decades, contributing to depression or social withdrawal.

Public awareness around these cases has led to advocacy for stricter gun control and improved mental health resources. Some countries, after high-profile cases, have re-evaluated firearms regulations and victim assistance programs, with particular attention paid to preventing stalking or domestic violence that leads to such injuries.