what happened to bob woodruff

Bob Woodruff, the ABC News journalist, was critically injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2006 but survived, underwent a long recovery from a traumatic brain injury, and has since returned to reporting and veterans’ advocacy.

What happened in 2006?

• In January 2006, while reporting north of Baghdad, the vehicle Woodruff was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). His head and upper body were struck by shrapnel, causing a severe brain injury.

• He was placed in a medically induced coma for 36 days to help his brain heal and underwent multiple surgeries during his evacuation from Iraq through Germany to U.S. military hospitals.

• At the time of the attack, he had just become co‑anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” which he had held for only a few weeks.

Recovery and life after the blast

• Woodruff’s injuries left him with significant cognitive and language challenges; early on he struggled to recall basic words and even the names of some of his children.

• Over time, he relearned speech and rebuilt his career, eventually returning to on‑air reporting and long‑form documentary work for ABC News.

• His story has been featured in specials like “After the Blast: The Will to Survive,” in which he revisits Iraq and reflects on resilience and second chances.

Bob Woodruff Foundation and veterans work

• Woodruff and his family created the Bob Woodruff Foundation to support veterans and military families, particularly those affected by traumatic brain injury and the long‑term impacts of war.

• The foundation funds programs that improve housing stability, mental health, and financial security for veterans, often through grants to local organizations.

• As of late 2025, the foundation reports helping thousands of veterans with mental health care, housing, emergency assistance, legal support, and employment.

What is he doing now? (latest context)

• Woodruff continues to work as a correspondent for ABC News, focusing heavily on the consequences of war and the recovery of veterans and civilians.

• He has worked on projects such as returning to the site of his injury in Iraq and a National Geographic–linked project, “Operation Arctic Cure,” exploring nature‑based healing for veterans and first responders.

• Recent public updates from his foundation highlight ongoing grant-making and plans to expand impact in 2026, indicating he remains professionally active.

TL;DR: If you’re searching “what happened to Bob Woodruff,” he was gravely injured by an IED in Iraq in 2006, survived after a long recovery from a traumatic brain injury, returned to journalism, and now devotes much of his work and his foundation to supporting veterans and telling stories about resilience.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.