Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds has revealed he was hit by a drunk driver at 18 years old during a recent conversation with Rob McElhenney, after making the decision not to drive home following a night out.
The story came from a Instagram reel where Reynolds reflected on a moment from his late teens that left him hospitalised for four weeks, despite making what he felt was the responsible decision.
For Wrexham supporters, it is another insight into the life of Ryan Reynolds, whose public profile has continued to grow alongside the club’s rise under his and McElhenney’s ownership.
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The story emerged in a conversation between the pair, who have often shared personal moments on and off screen, including throughout Welcome to Wrexham season 5.
A serious story from Wrexham’s co-chairman, and Rob Mac’s reaction says a lot. 👇
Ryan Reynolds recalls potentially life-changing accident
Reynolds explained that he had been out as an 18-year-old and had consumed alcohol before deciding not to get behind the wheel.
“You know, when I was 18, I left a bar and I’d had a beer, you know?”
“And I walked back and I looked at my car for a second and I thought, you know what? I’m not gonna drive anywhere, even if it’s four blocks home, absolutely not.”
Rather than drive, Reynolds said he decided to walk home. Moments later, he was hit by a drunk driver.
“And so instead I turned around, started to cross the street, and I was run over by a drunk driver.”
“I got run over by a drunk driver after making a firmly positive and wise decision for a young 18-year-old male.”
The impact was severe. Reynolds said the accident left him in hospital for a month.
“Spent four weeks in the hospital.”
“Broke every bone in my left side.”
“He hit me so hard, his car was not operational.”
Watch the full video:
Rob McElhenney was stunned by the revelation
McElhenney was clearly surprised by the story. Despite their close friendship and years working together at Wrexham, he appeared unaware of what had happened.
“How am I not hearing that for the first time I’ve heard that?”
The reaction showed just how unexpected the revelation was, even for someone who has spent years alongside Reynolds both on and off screen.
The pair have also spoken publicly about their Wrexham journey, including stories linked to Rob McElhenney and life around the club.
Another insight into Wrexham’s co-chairman
Reynolds remains one of the most recognisable figures connected to Wrexham and continues to attract attention well beyond football.
Recent months have seen the Wrexham co-owner feature on the TIME100 list, while supporters have also enjoyed lighter moments such as his answer about Wrexham regret.
This latest story was very different. It centred on a split-second decision that Reynolds still remembers decades later.
For Wrexham fans, the key detail is that Reynolds chose not to drive despite having only a short journey home. The outcome was devastating, but the choice itself was the right one.
As supporters continue to follow the club’s Championship journey, moments like these offer another reminder that there is often far more to the people behind Wrexham AFC than football alone.
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