Mike Wolfe, who stars on the History Channel’s American Pickers, and his girlfriend, Leticia Cline, were seriously injured in a car accident in Columbia, Tennessee on September 12. Over the weekend, Cline shared an update on her recovery.
Newsweek reached out to Wolfe’s representative via email on Tuesday for comment.
Why It Matters
Wolfe and Cline’s high-profile status and the severity of the crash have drawn widespread attention, with fans expressing concern and following updates closely.
What To Know
Wolfe, 61, and Cline were traveling in a vintage Porsche 356 when an SUV reportedly pulled out from a side street with “little to no time to react,” Cline said, leading to a devastating collision. According to Wolfe, they had been in Columbia for a photo shoot related to an upcoming book about the motorcycle industry. Both were hospitalized following the crash—Wolfe with a broken nose, knee and wrist injuries, while Cline was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center due to more severe trauma.
Cline’s injuries included a broken jaw in three places, broken ribs, broken sternum, a collapsed lung and spinal swelling. She recently underwent complex jaw surgery, which her surgical team described as one of the most challenging cases they have worked on, People reported. Cline was released to continue her recovery at home in Kentucky, while Wolfe, who was treated and released sooner, has focused on follow-up care for lingering injuries.
On Sunday, Cline took to her Instagram Stories to share an update.
“I can only eat out of a syringe and I’m now down 12 pounds,” she said in one post, which has since expired. “This is as close to a country comfort meal as I can get. Baked beans from @estersfarm_parkcityky puréed and strained. And mashed potatoes with so much broth they’re water.”
In a separate message, she revealed she was back in the hospital “to have some things scanned.”
“I’ve been in so much pain since surgery,” the journalist told her 105,000 followers. “Turns out nothing new is broken, but I do have a ruptured implant.”
“I was cut on both sides of my face behind my ear and my chin to put my jaw back together,” Cline continued. “Day six after surgery and I still don’t have feeling or movement to my lips, but I’m hopeful.”
Wolfe and Cline, who began dating in 2021, have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and the care they received at Vanderbilt. Wolfe described the accident as a moment that prompted “recalibrating all that’s important,” calling it a “second chance” at life.
Previously, Wolfe was married to Jodi Wolfe, and they divorced in 2021. The exes share their teenage daughter Charlie together.
What People Are Saying
Leticia Cline wrote on Instagram: “I’ve been in crashes before from my days as a motorcycle racer, but I’ve never faced injuries this extensive to my face. It’s been painful and honestly depressing. My voice is my greatest asset, I use it as a city councilwoman, as a writer, and as a business owner. Having it limited is terrifying, but I remain hopeful that with time and care I’ll fully recover.
“Every moment is a gift, and I don’t take that lightly. I lost my father at a young age in an accident on the interstate, and I know all too well how suddenly life can be taken away. I would never wish that kind of pain on my son or on Mike’s daughter, and for that reason I am endlessly grateful that we are still here. Broken, yes, but alive, together, and given another chance to hold on to the people we love.”
Mike Wolfe wrote of Cline on Instagram: “I’ve been witness to your strength and beauty thru tough situations for years now. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever seen you climb up from. Through the pain trauma and scary moments your light has shined bright. I see you stronger in mind body and soul than I ever have before. That little girl that made her way thru so much adversity has become the woman that can conquer anything she puts her mind to do. I’m in love with you. I’m proud of you and I stand with you. Please keep the prayers and positive energy coming y’all, she’s still has so much to go through and needs all the bright light you can spare.”
Wolfe’s friend and American Pickers co-star Danielle Colby shared via Instagram: “I love you both…You’ve got this Tish. The part about having your voice limited brought me to tears. You’re gonna have that voice back again soon, don’t forget that.”
What Happens Next
Cline’s recovery remains ongoing. American Pickers Season 27 premiered in July.