John Locke was born to Emily Annabeth Locke and Anthony Cooper on May 30, 1956. His mother was 15 years old when an unknown driver hit her, forcing an early delivery. Three months premature, John survived numerous illnesses; his nurses called him a miracle. John's mother, Emily, ran out of the hospital ward upon learning that John was to be let out of his incubator for the first time and that she could hold him. Emily said she couldn't do it, possibly referring to having to raise a child. While John's grandmother discussed adoption with a nurse, Richard Alpert smiled at baby John from an adjoining room.