Reality television personality Kelly Bensimon, 58, is recovering after being involved in a serious head-on collision in Sarasota, Florida. The incident, which occurred on Monday, left Bensimon with significant injuries, including to her arm and head, and resulted in her being briefly unconscious. She was a passenger in an Uber vehicle that was struck by another car on Tamiami Trail.
Details of the Sarasota Car Crash
The accident involved an Uber carrying Kelly Bensimon and celebrity chef Andrew Molen, 44. According to reports, the vehicle they were in was making a left turn when it was hit head-on by another car. The impact was severe enough to deploy the airbags in the Uber. Both Bensimon and Molen, along with the driver of the other vehicle, were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Bensimon described the harrowing experience, stating, “I’m lucky to have walked away alive.” She detailed the extent of her injuries, explaining that her “right arm is a mess” and that her “head went straight into the back of the seat.” The former star of The Real Housewives of New York City recounted being unconscious for a few moments immediately following the crash, experiencing intense pain and fear. “I was unconscious for a couple seconds. I was freaking out. I thought I broke my arm,” she told reporters.
Medical evaluations, including a CT scan and X-rays, were performed. Bensimon reported feeling disoriented and in considerable pain after the incident. “I am totally out of it, I am in so much pain,” she stated. She also noted that her head striking the seat caused her to hit the chef, Andrew Molen, on the chin, and that makeup marks were visible on the deployed airbag.
Andrew Molen’s Account and Injuries
Andrew Molen corroborated the severity of the crash, describing Bensimon as “out cold” and “kept falling back” in the moments after the collision. Molen, a private chef, recounted seeing the other vehicle approaching directly and at high speed. “You didn’t hear brakes screech. He came straight in at full blast,” he said, emphasizing the lack of braking sounds before impact.
Molen also sustained injuries, describing the impact as extremely forceful. “We got hit so hard. Kelly went flying. I hit the ceiling. Airbags went off. There was dust everywhere… they had to help us into ambulances,” he recalled. He is reportedly suffering from a neck injury and has had to cancel five work engagements to focus on his recovery. The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital via ambulance.
Bensimon and Molen’s Collaboration
Bensimon and Molen were in Sarasota for professional reasons related to a digital lifestyle show they are collaborating on, titled The Chef and the Housewife. Bensimon, who also works as a real estate professional, had been hosting an open house for a property on Bay Shore Road. Molen had catered the event and was demonstrating kitchen features. The show aims to highlight aspects of high-net-worth living, encompassing food, entertaining, design, and experiences associated with exceptional homes.
Following the incident, Bensimon expressed gratitude for Molen’s presence and assistance during the ordeal via social media. On Instagram Stories, she wrote, “It has been an intense 36 hours @andrewmolen so thankful for you and that we are safe and for all who helped us through this moment.”
Recovery and Aftermath
The crash has prompted Bensimon to focus on her recovery. The injuries, particularly to her head and arm, have caused significant discomfort and pain. While the immediate aftermath was alarming, with Bensimon losing consciousness briefly, the fact that both she and Molen were able to walk away, albeit injured, is considered fortunate given the violent nature of the collision.
The Sarasota Police Department is likely investigating the circumstances surrounding the head-on collision. Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the condition of all involved parties will emerge as the investigation progresses and as Bensimon and Molen continue their recovery journeys.
