Gary Busey suffered a severe motorcycle accident on December 4, 1988, in which he was not wearing a helmet. The crash caused him to split his skull open and resulted in serious brain damage, including a subdural hematoma that required brain surgery. He was in a coma for weeks and has said he briefly died during the ordeal, describing a near-death experience where he encountered angels
. The brain injury from the accident has had lasting effects on Busey's behavior and mental health. He has impulse control and mood regulation issues, which contribute to his eccentric and sometimes erratic public behavior. His mannerisms and "Buseyisms" (unique phrases and tics) are linked to the neurological impact of the accident and subsequent brain surgery
. In addition to the accident's physical and cognitive consequences, Busey has struggled with substance abuse, particularly cocaine addiction, which has also affected his personal life and finances. He filed for bankruptcy in 2012, citing drug spending as a major factor
. More recently, Busey has faced legal issues, including charges related to inappropriate sexual conduct at a convention in 2022, and public incidents involving indecent behavior
. In summary, what is "wrong" with Gary Busey largely stems from the traumatic brain injury he sustained in his 1988 motorcycle accident, which has influenced his mental state, behavior, and health, compounded by struggles with addiction and legal troubles
