Chris Soules, an Iowa farmer who starred on The Bachelor two years ago, was arrested Tuesday after authorities say he caused a deadly traffic accident and fled the scene.
Soules, who was portrayed as a wholesome country boy looking for love on season 19 of the ABC reality show, was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that allegedly rear-ended a tractor near Aurora, Iowa on Monday night, sending both vehicles into the ditch and killing the tractor driver, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.
The Iowa State Patrol identified the victim as 66-year-old Kenneth Mosher, a farmer from Aurora, which is about 24 kilometres south of Soules’ farm in Arlington, Iowa and about 105 kilometres north of Iowa City.
Alcohol found at scene
Authorities said someone called 911 to report the crash, but they didn’t release the identity of the caller or audio of the call. Investigators spoke to multiple witnesses and determined that Soules caused the crash and left the scene, according to the complaint, which doesn’t name the witnesses.
Alcohol was found at the scene, and investigators are trying to determine whose it was, said Sheriff Bill Wolgram. Court records show that Soules has had some driving infractions in the past, including a 2006 conviction for operating while intoxicated.
Soules, 35, was arrested at his home in Arlington early Tuesday, about five hours after the crash, and was booked into the Buchanan County Jail on a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
A judge set a $10,000, cash-only bond for Soules. He hadn’t been released from jail as of late morning. Wolgram said that if granted pre-trial release, Soules would be required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and surrender his passport.
The sheriff’s office said the crash remains under investigation and additional charges could be filed.
Soules’ lawyers, Sean and Molly Spellman, didn’t immediately reply to messages seeking comment. His spokesman, Stan Rosenfield, issued a statement saying Soules “was devastated” to learn that Mosher died.
“His thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Mosher’s family,” said Rosenfield, who declined to comment further.
Chris Soules proposed to Chicago fertility nurse Whitney Bischoff, right, during their stint on The Bachelor but their relationship ended shortly after the show. (Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)
At the end of his season as The Bachelor, Soules proposed to Chicago fertility nurse Whitney Bischoff, but their relationship ended shortly after the show.
Soules has since served as a spokesman for various agricultural interests and worked in farm real estate and investing.
