Help Support Actor, Stuntman, and Former Jackson State Linebacker Willie “Trae” Bell III After a Devastating Accident

Donate to Help Willie Bell III With Much Needed Hospital Aid

By: Omar Cook

On Wednesday, October 15, in West Chicago, life changed in an instant for Willie “Trae” Bell III. While sitting at a red light, Willie was struck by a distracted driver traveling more than 50 miles per hour — a driver who never looked up, never slowed down, and never hit the brakes.

The impact was catastrophic.

Willie spent several days in the ICU and remains hospitalized. He is currently battling blurred and double vision, a concussion, memory loss, and paralysis on the left side of his body from the neck down — symptoms that doctors are still working tirelessly to understand and treat. His journey has already been marked by medical setbacks and moments of uncertainty, but through it all, the one thing that has never wavered is Willie’s fight.

After being released to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, Willie’s recovery took a frightening turn. On his very first day of rehab, he was rushed back to the emergency room. Doctors discovered blood clots in both lungs — a life-threatening complication that has paused his rehab and forced him back into acute medical care.

The battle continues. And yet, if you know Willie, you know he is a warrior. As his family shared, “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.” All prayers, support, and shares are deeply appreciated as he fights for full healing.

Willie Bell III is more than an actor and stuntman — he is a creative force, a father, a fiancé, and a proud HBCU legacy.

A former Jackson State University linebacker and #THEE FIRST third-generation linebacker from his family to play at JSU, Willie brought the same discipline, commitment, and passion from the field into his entertainment career. He built a name for himself as a stunt actor, stunt coordinator, and motion capture athlete with EA Sports, contributing to blockbuster video game franchises like Madden and NCAA.

Off the field and off the set, Willie is a devoted family man. He and his fiancée are planning their wedding for early 2026. Just three weeks before the accident, they welcomed their newborn son, Willie Bell IV, joining their two other beautiful children. Their home should be overflowing with joy right now — but instead, they are fighting through fear, uncertainty, and financial strain.

How You Can Help

Willie faces months of recovery, and during that time, he will be unable to work. His family is now carrying the weight of medical bills, lost income, and the cost of necessary rehabilitation and long-term care.

To support him, his family has set a fundraising goal of $100,000, which will help cover:

• Ongoing medical treatments

• Rehabilitation and therapy

• Loss of income during recovery

• Transportation and accessibility needs

• Essential living and family expenses

Every dollar helps lighten the load. Every share helps amplify this call for support. Every prayer helps strengthen his spirit.

If you are able, please consider supporting Willie’s recovery by donating or sharing his GoFundMe link:

👉 Donate here: https://gofund.me/bc4bf1338

Standing Together for Willie

Willie “Trae” Bell III has spent his life pushing limits — on the field, in the industry, and as a father. Now, he needs a community behind him as he fights for mobility, stability, and life beyond this traumatic moment.

Your support — big or small — helps his family breathe a little easier and gives Willie the chance to focus on what matters most: healing, returning to his passion, and getting back home to his children.

Thank you for standing with Willie.
Thank you for praying for his complete healing.
Thank you for helping carry him through this fight.

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Set to Receive the Entertainment Icon Award

LOS ANGELES - APR 4: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Poses at the "Rampage" Premiere at Microsoft Theater on April 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA

Credit: Kathy Hutchins via Shutterstock

By: Joshua Martin

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors is gearing up for a star studded celebration in 2026 and this year’s spotlight shines brightly on one of the world’s most recognizable figures. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known globally as “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment”, will receive the coveted Entertainment Icon Award, honoring his remarkable rise from WWE superstar to one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved talents.

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

Johnson’s career has been defined by his versatility and undeniable charisma. Over two decades, his seamless transition from wrestling to entertainment has earned him a loyal global fan base across film, television and sports entertainment. His latest role in Benny Safdie’s critically acclaimed The Smashing Machine has only increased his notoriety. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September, earning the prestigious Silver Lion and widespread praise for Johnson’s transformative performance.

“Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon. From his trailblazing career in sports entertainment to his extraordinary success in film and television, he has become one of the most influential and beloved figures in global culture. His journey embodies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and charisma — values that reflect the spirit of ABFF.” - Nice Crowds co-CEOs Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. 

The 2026 ABFF Honors will also celebrate several other influential creatives. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will be recognized with the Renaissance Award, acclaimed director Salli Richardson-Whitfield will receive the Evolution Award and Damson Idris, star of Netflix’s F1, will be honored with the Horizon Award.

Hosted by award winning comedian KevOnStage, the ceremony will take place February 16th, 2026, at the luxurious SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.

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