More than seven months after surviving a horrific accident that left him with serious leg injuries, Nelson Thomas has been charged with a DWI.
Thomas, 34, was slapped with charges in Texas in late September for the incident that occurred on March 6, 2023, according to TMZ.
He was also arrested and posed for a mugshot Page six.
Officers claimed Nelson had “bloodshot, glassy eyes” as he described how another car swerved in front of his moments before the crash, according to TMZ.
Thomas claimed he drank ‘2-3 mixed alcoholic drinks’, but officers claimed the Challenge star had a ‘strong odor of an alcoholic drink coming from his breath’ during subsequent hospital treatment.
Legal Trouble: Six months after surviving a horrific crash that left him seriously injured, Nelson Thomas has been charged with a DWI
Ordeal: Thomas revealed in March that he had survived a horrific car crash
The results of a blood test Thomas underwent at the hospital claimed he had a BAC of 0.178, according to Page Six. This is more than double the legal limit of 0.08. His results made his charge a class A misdemeanor, TMZ reports.
According to Page Six, Thomas lost control of his vehicle and hit a bridge in Austin, Texas. The vehicle was totaled and burst into flames with Thomas trapped inside.
According to Page Six, Thomas failed a field sobriety test and was arrested at the hospital.
But Thomas was ultimately “released from custody when it was discovered that treatment for his injuries would take longer than expected,” according to documents obtained by Page Six.
On September 28, he was taken into custody again and a mugshot was taken. He posted a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 16.
In previous court documents, Thomas’ attorney said the reality star “is dealing with a serious medical condition that does not leave him with full mobility in one of his legs,” according to Page Six.
Thomas revealed that he survived the car crash in March and posted photos of his horrific injuries and hospitalization on his Instagram.
The post also included a harrowing video of his rescue from his burning vehicle. He called out NFL player KJ Osborn for being on the scene and filming his rescue.
‘I was involved in a car accident. I would like to thank kJ: @kj_osborn_ @nfl @vikings for being there and filming my rescue. I am eternally grateful to Abdulmejied Hairedin: @_abdu6435, Rita: @Afri_qveen and Arthur: @arthur_1er_,” he began in the caption.
Harrowing: Thomas’ rescue from his fiery video was captured by NFL player KJ Osborn
Raising Money: A GoFundMe set up to raise money for his medical expenses and other related costs has raised $58,673 so far
“Because they pulled me from a burning vehicle, risking their own lives to save mine. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to be alive. God is truly great and he has you in his hands no matter who you are.
‘I am cheerful and getting stronger. This will be a long road to recovery, but to my fans, friends and family, please keep me in your prayers.”
A GoFundMe set up to raise money for his medical expenses and other related costs has raised $58,673 so far.
“Just over a week ago, our dear friend Nelson Thomas saw his life flash before his eyes in a horrific car accident. He is so grateful for the amount of love he has already received in such a short time. From his Challenge friends, to family and amazing friends, he feels so much love,” his GoFundMe said.
MTV star: Thomas pictured in New York in 2017
‘As a result of this accident, he was seriously damaged, along with a totaled vehicle. He has already undergone several surgeries, including reconstructive surgery on his leg, where he now has plates and screws.
“We’ve had a lot of people reach out to see how they can help, first and foremost: prayer. He feels so blessed to be alive because his faith in Christ is so important to him.
“So I know he is incredibly grateful for those who are praying for him and for his recovery. Second, if you would like to help financially, this will go towards medical bills and other necessities to aid in his recovery. This will be a long road to recovery, but his mood is good. Thank you all for your love and kindness. We all love you, brother.”