Nelson Thomas from The Challenge had a car accident in March 2023. The MTV star has since admitted to consuming “two to three mixed alcoholic drinks,” according to police. Amid the news, fans following his journey post-surgery have been donating to Nelson’s GoFundMe fundraiser.
Nelson Thomas arrested
Nelson Thomas has been arrested for a DWI six months after a near-fatal car accident. He was pulled out of his burning Audi A4 in March after crashing into a bridge in Austin, Texas.
A police officer dispatched to the scene claims in court documents obtained by Page Six that Thomas had “bloodshot, glassy eyes” after being rescued, and admitted to having two to three alcoholic drinks.
After Thomas was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, the officer spoke with him again and “detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath”.
The documents state he was released from custody after needing treatments for his injuries. Cops obtained a search warrant and toxicoloy results showed a blood alcohol content of 0.178 percent. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. The star was taken back into custody on September 28, and he posted a $5,000 bond. The court date has been set for November 16.
The Challenge’s Nelson Thomas GoFundMe soars
Nelson Thomas’ GoFundMe saw loved ones and fans of the show come together to help him on the road to recovery. So far, $58,673 of a $200K goal has been raised as people continue to donate.
A friend appears to have launched the fundraiser a week after the car crash. The page writes: “Just over a week ago, our dear friend, Nelson Thomas saw his life flash before his eyes in a terrible car accident.”
“He is so grateful for the amount of love he’s already received in such a short time. From his Challenge buddies to family, to wonderful friends – he is feeling so much love,” the statement adds.
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Thomas underwent surgery
Nelson from The Challenge had multiple surgeries, including a reconstructive surgery on his leg where he now has plates and screws. He faces amputation after the crash left him with a broken leg.
Despite the physical challenges, Thomas is determined “never to give up” on his body. At the end of September, he said he just “received the most disheartening news” about his ankle.
“The stage that I’m in right now is called a salvage stage, which [means] either they can salvage my ankle, or they can amputate it,” Nelson revealed in an Instagram update.
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