Amy Purdy lost her legs after contracting bacterial meningitis at age 19, which led to septic shock and loss of circulation to her extremities; both legs were amputated below the knee.

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The illness hit fast and became life-threatening, affecting more than just her legs. Reports say she also lost her spleen, kidney function, and hearing in one ear during the ordeal.

In short: it was a severe meningitis infection that triggered septic shock, not an accident or injury.