'The Challenge' Star Nelson Thomas Announces Upcoming Foot Amputation
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Nelson Thomas
The Challenge veteran Nelson Thomas announced Sunday that he has decided to get his foot amputated following injuries sustained from a serious car crash in 2023. The procedure will happen on March 5, one year to the day after the accident.
"March 5th 2023 remains vivid in my memory, a persistent presence in my thoughts," Thomas wrote on his Instagram on Sunday. "I consciously embrace it as the initiation of a new chapter. Opting for amputation, I am determined to own March 5th and redefine its significance in my life."
The post itself contains a series of images and video footage from the accident and the yearlong recovery process. A voiceover plays of Thomas's recent conversation with his doctor. He recaps the past 365 days of treatment, which has included multiple trips to doctors, discussions with amputees about the process, and even a trip to Mexico to see if stem cells would be able to help the healing.
"I had to ask myself what life I want to live and what kind of quality life I want to live," he says in the audio. "I’m at peace with it, and it’s time. I’m ready to move on with it."
Thomas was pulled out of his burning car in Austin, Texas back in the spring of 2023. He and the other victims were helped on the scene by Minnesota Vikings player K.J. Osborn, as well as other bystanders. The reality TV community immediately responded in the wake of the news, donating in droves to the GoFundMe page that Thomas had set up to pay for his medical expenses.
However, it was later revealed that Thomas was not telling the whole story. In October, more than six months after the accident, the Austin police revealed that he had been driving while intoxicated, and had actually been placed under arrest at the hospital when he was being treated for his injuries. Thomas later apologized for omitting that fact from his original story, and offered to refund any GoFundMe donations.
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Thomas started his reality TV career as part of the cast of Are You the One? season 3 in 2015. The next year, he went on to appear on his first season of the MTV all-star series The Challenge. Across eight years, he has appeared in ten seasons and won over $30,000 in prize money.
Thomas's announcement of his amputation prompted The Challenge alumni to flood his comments with support. "You’re a warrior Nelly," wrote legend of the series Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio. "I know this may feel like the end but it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Just remember you’ve got so many people supporting you through this journey. The comeback is always better than the setback. Prayers up brother."
"My brother, you will rise from this setback….I have no doubt," wrote "OG" challenger Mark Long. "I can see you using this terrible situation as a platform to educate and inspire others going through a similar story. I’m here to support and/or help any way I can. Love you brother." Similar words of comfort and prayer came from fellow alums Nia Moore, Leroy Garrett, and Kam Williams.
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