Bachelor Nation’s Melissa Rycroft is soaking up time with her family after her DWI arrest.
In a Sunday, October 12, Instagram post, Rycroft, 42, shared a series of photos of her three children taking on a water park. (Rycroft welcomed daughter Ava, son Beckett and son Cayson in 2011, 2014 and 2016, respectively, with husband Tye Strickland. The couple exchanged vows in 2009.)
“A much needed long weekend getaway with my favorite people….” she captioned the upload.
News broke earlier this month that Rycroft had been arrested for a DWI on September 23. According to TMZ, Rycroft informed Texas police officers that she was involved in a hit-and-run accident and claimed that the other driver fled the scene.
Melissa Rycroft Says She’s ‘Struggling’ in 1st Message Since DWI Arrest
The report indicated that Rycroft’s black Cadillac Escalade was damaged on the right side, with a nearby tree allegedly sustaining similar damages. An eyewitness who alleged to have seen the accident claimed Rycroft was the only one involved.
The Tarrant County police report alleged that Rycroft had “bloodshot eyes” and “slurred speech” as she detailed her version of the story. A police officer also claimed that Rycroft was swaying while standing on the scene, noticing a “slight odor of a metabolized alcoholic beverage” on her breath.
While searching Rycroft’s vehicle, police allegedly found “fresh droplets of colored liquid substances and spilled liquids” inside, which authorities believed to be alcohol. Rycroft was taken into custody after being administered field sobriety tests. She was held for eight hours before being released on $1,000 bond.
Rycroft’s lawyer Bret Martin addressed the incident via a statement to TMZ at the time. (Us Weekly reached out for comment.)
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“I want to remind the public of the fundamental principle of our justice system … every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the statement read. “We, as a society, have gotten completely away from this fundamental concept. My client was arrested on the allegation of driving while intoxicated. An arrest is no indication of guilt.”
Martin continued, “It is imperative that we closely examine the circumstances of this case — including the conduct of law enforcement, the toxicology results and the facts surrounding her arrest — before any conclusions are drawn. We respectfully request that the media and the public allow the legal process to unfold and withhold any judgment whatsoever until all of the evidence has been properly analyzed and presented in a court of law.”
Days later, Rycroft broke her silence while responding to a fan comment via Instagram. “Life really sucks right now and I’m struggling, but I’m trying to march forward,” she wrote.
The incident came more than 15 years after Rycroft rose to fame on season 13 of The Bachelor in 2009. After securing former Bachelor Jason Mesnick’s final rose, Rycroft was later dumped by the lead for runner-up Molly Mesnick. (The duo have been married since 2010.)
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
