Actor Chris Hemsworth's recent family vacation in Costa Rica included a harrowing plane journey through a lightning storm, which he described as "crazy" and "life-threatening."
Hemsworth shared footage from the flight on a YouTube vlog, showing lightning flashing around the aircraft as it encountered severe turbulence. In the video clip, the actor can be heard expressing his unease.
Despite the frightening experience, the flight landed safely, and the vacation continued with a range of adventurous activities. The family engaged in surfing, ATV riding, cliff jumping, fishing, and hiking to waterfalls.
This incident occurred several years after Hemsworth learned he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a genetic factor linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This discovery, made during filming for National Geographic's "Limitless," prompted him to re-evaluate his approach to work and family.
Following the public announcement of his genetic predisposition in 2022, Hemsworth took a break from acting, which led to speculation about retirement or early onset of the disease. He later clarified in a 2024 interview that such interpretations were upsetting, stating that the narrative had become distorted despite his efforts to convey that it was not a "death sentence."