Ex-NBA star Charlie Villanueva is ‘thankful to see another day’ after he and his wife were caught in ugly hit-and-run that left his car ‘messed up’

Former NBA star Charlie Villanueva revealed that he and his wife were involved in a nasty car accident earlier this week.

The 39-year-old announced on Instagram on Wednesday that he and his wife, Lala, were hit from behind and claimed the person responsible fled the scene.

The former Milwaukee Bucks forward said he was grateful to be alive as he shared photos of the crash.

“One thing we never take for granted is leaving the house and coming back home,” he wrote alongside a shot of his wrecked Mercedes G Wagon.

“If you're wondering what happened, my wife and I were hit badly by another car, and the crazy thing is that the one who hit me decided to run. Sore neck, sore back, broken down car, we are grateful that there is another day. Our lives cannot be replaced, but the vehicle can. Thank you God for protecting us. We are to walk by faith, not by sight.”

Villanueva shared photos from different angles showing the vehicle's rear bumper in tatters, while several pieces of debris can be seen on the road that appear to have fallen from the side of the car.

The ex-hooper further claimed that a difficult 2023 prepared them for a better new year, as he urged others who had struggled throughout the year not to lose hope.

“2023 only prepares us for 2024,” he added. So for those for whom 2023 has been a difficult year, a year of struggle, be grateful and do not give up, because once you emerge from the storm, you will see your true strength.”

Villanueva was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, taken by the Toronto Raptors.

He played 11 seasons in the league, including stints with the Bucks, Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks, before ending his career at the end of the 2015-16 season.

He also represented the Dominican Republic national team in international competitions.