Days after Chris Soules was arrested for his role in a fatal car accident, a couple of women who knew the former Bachelor star well have spoken out on the tragedy.
First, Entertainment Tonight talked to Andy Dorfman, the ex-Bachelorette who nearly chose Soules as her fiancee in 2014.
“It’s all very sad,” Dorfman said, clearly still processing the crash that took the life of 68-year old Kenneth Mosher and adding:
“I haven’t talked to Chris yet but, knowing him, I know that he is probably devastated.”
The crash took place around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, as Soules was driving a pickup truck in Iowa when he rear-ended Mosher in a tractor.
The impact hurled Mosher into a ditch and prompted Soules to call 911. He alerted the authorities to the situation, but proceeded to drve away to his farm, which is located about 15 miles from the accident site.
Soules then refused to let police officers into his home until they obtained a warrant, possibly to give himself time to sober up.
(Authorities confirm the discovery of open beer cans inside Soules’ vehicle, found after they obtained said warrant and took Soules into custody.)
Mosher was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
“My thoughts go out to [Mosher] and his family, as well as the Soules family,” Dorfman added to ET.
“You never want to hear that a friend has been involved in a horrific, life-altering tragedy like this. I’m just saddened for everyone involved.”
Soules was arrested just after 1 a.m. on Monday and charged with leaving the scene of a fatal car crash that left one individual dead.
Due to his extensive criminal record, the former reality star could be in major trouble if police determine he had been drinking prior to getting behind the wheel.
According to TMZ, he also could be in major trouble (in the form of a vehicular manslaughter charge) if cell phone records prove Soules was texting or talking to someone at the time of the accident.
Law enforcement officials have seized his phone and will be looking at texts, photos, social media posts, along with his call log.
Britt Nilsson, meanwhile, who grew close to Soules on his season of The Bachelor, spoke to TooFab about the incident and issued the following statement.
With a heavy heart, I pray for both men’s families today. I believe that Chris is an upstanding and honorable man, as is now fully coming to light with the discovery of his 911 call.
I found it hard to believe that he would not report the accident, so this new information, revealing that he did call the police to report it, definitely feels more true to character than the original story of a hit and run.
I deeply grieve for the victim and his entire family today, as the shock waves of pain and loss must be almost unbearable. I pray that people respect them, and give them space and time to heal.
I also pray for Chris, as he must be filled with guilt, regret, and confusion. In all our time together, he was nothing but a gentleman and always cared for those around him.
My heart goes out to everyone surrounding and involved in this horrible accident–I pray for peace, reconciliation, and hope in the midst of such a terrible circumstance.
Then there’s Marcus Grodd, who also appeared on season 10 of The Bachelorette with Soules and Dorfman and who told ET that he was “completely shocked by the news,” expounding:
“[Chris] is just a good guy and unfortunately this incident doesn’t reflect who he is as a person.
“People should know he is a fun and charismatic guy and I have only seen him help people constantly.”
We’re not really sure if “fun and charismatic” are the traits Soules would want emphasized about himself in this situation, but we’re sure Grodd didn’t mean any harm.
Soules posted bond on Tuesday and has only said the following through a spokesman thus far:
“Chris Soules was involved in an accident Monday evening (April 24) in a rural part of Iowa near his home. He was devastated to learn that Kenneth Mosher, the other person in the accident, passed away.
“His thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Mosher’s family.”