Ruston Kelly Reveals Freak Golf Cart Crash Led to Relapse, Says He’s 3 Days Sober and Committed to Living ‘One Day at a Time’

Renowned singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly has recently opened up about his struggles with sobriety following an accident that led to a relapse this summer. In an emotional Instagram post dated July 29, the 37-year-old artist shared his current journey towards recovery, emphasizing that he has been sober for three days and is committed to a life free of all substances, including alcohol.

Kelly’s admission comes after a freak incident in early June when he was riding in a golf cart. The accident occurred when he hit a root protruding from the pavement, causing the cart to flip and throwing him headfirst into a mailbox, resulting in severe injuries that included a broken arm. In the days that followed, Kelly was prescribed a powerful cocktail of pain medications including fentanyl and morphine, which ultimately triggered his previous struggles with substance abuse.

Reflecting on his path towards sobriety, Kelly recalled a time in 2021 when he felt assured he was on a “clean” journey, believing he was only addicted to amphetamines. He admitted that he had deluded himself into thinking that he could control his substance use, convincing himself that he had no issues with alcohol or other drugs. However, he later recognised that this mindset only led him to a precarious situation where he indulged in behaviours that compromised his recovery.

Last year, the “Mockingbird” singer celebrated five years of sobriety but confessed that he had begun to mismanage his lifestyle, attempting to find satisfaction in addictive behaviours because he perceived he had no issues with them. The pressures and challenges of life, coupled with his unexpected accident, spiralled him back into a dark place where he once again sought relief from pain through substances.

The period following the accident proved difficult for Kelly. As the prescription painkillers became less effective, he found himself taking increasing quantities, even resorting to consuming the pills before leaving the pharmacy. This alarming behaviour reignited his fears about addiction and the potential consequences for his personal and professional life.

Determined to regain control over his life, Kelly made the conscious decision on July 26 to recommit to his sobriety journey. He stated he has resolved to eliminate all substances, including THC and alcohol, from his life for good. In his post, he detailed the reality of living with a substance abuse disorder, acknowledging that such a condition would be a lifelong challenge.

With a newfound perspective, Kelly expressed his intent to remain sober for the sake of his well-being, his relationships, and his artistic career. He shared, “I am 3 days completely clean and sober again, and intend to remain this way forever, one day at a time.”

Much of Kelly’s music has drawn from his personal struggles, blending rock and country influences with poignant storytelling. His debut album, “Dying Star,” was written after a near-fatal overdose in 2016, while his follow-up, “Shape & Destroy,” chronicled his path to recovery. His latest work, “Pale, Through the Window,” released last autumn, largely focuses on his love story with his wife, Tia, whom he married in May 2025 after proposing at the Grand Ole Opry.

Speaking about the lessons learned through his experiences, Kelly noted that life is inherently imperfect, but his journey of self-discovery and love has enriched his songwriting. He remarked on the importance of knowing one’s identity and how that understanding would deepen his writing, especially during challenging times.

For those grappling with similar issues, Kelly’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that accompany substance abuse. Help is available, and individuals affected are encouraged to reach out to organisations such as the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for support.

As Ruston Kelly continues his journey toward recovery, his candid reflections offer hope and insight to many facing their own battles with addiction. His dedication to sobriety highlights the importance of facing one’s demons head-on, proving that every day is a step towards healing.