Two years have passed since the harrowing scooter accident that forever changed the life of Alfonso Ribeiro’s family. The beloved host of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos, now 54, and his wife Angela, 44, have finally pieced together the exact sequence of events that led to their daughter Ava’s severe injuries. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the couple shared their lingering regrets, emphasizing that while the incident wasn’t the nanny’s fault, their absence that day haunts them.
The accident occurred in May 2023, just one day before Ava’s fourth birthday. At the time, the preschooler was under the care of the family’s trusted nanny while Alfonso and Angela were attending a work commitment. Ava, full of energy and curiosity, took a tumble from her sit-down scooter, resulting in deep road rash on her face, elbow, and arm. Emergency surgery was required to scalpel away damaged skin and minimize scarring. Alfonso previously described the ordeal as “scary times, scary moments,” but assured fans that Ava was “doing great” and recovering wonderfully.
Fast forward to October 2025, and Ava, now six, is thriving. The scars have faded significantly thanks to ongoing treatments, and she’s back to her playful self, enjoying school and family outings. However, a recent conversation with the nanny, who has since moved on but remained in touch, revealed previously unknown details about the mishap. “We always knew the basics—Ava fell off the scooter—but we didn’t know the full context,” Alfonso explained. “It turns out she was trying to mimic a stunt she saw in a cartoon, racing down a slight incline in our driveway. The nanny was momentarily distracted by a phone call from us, checking in. In that split second, it happened.”
Angela, who has been vocal on social media about Ava’s recovery, added, “It wasn’t the nanny’s fault, but our absence is something that will leave us with regret for the rest of our lives. We were so focused on our careers that day, and if we’d been home, maybe we could have prevented it or at least been there to comfort her immediately.” The couple emphasized that the nanny followed all protocols, rushing Ava inside and alerting them right away. Still, the revelation has prompted deep reflection on work-life balance.
In the immediate aftermath, Angela shared graphic photos of Ava’s injuries on Instagram, calling her a “trooper” who didn’t complain despite the pain. The little girl underwent the procedure to reduce scarring risks, and her Tangled-themed birthday party went ahead, with visible wounds but unbreakable spirit. Alfonso praised Ava’s bravery, writing, “I’m so proud of how well she handled everything. She’s so brave, strong, and creative.”
Over the years, the family has prioritized healing—both physical and emotional. Ava’s scars, once prominent, are now barely noticeable, a testament to advanced medical care and the couple’s dedication to her follow-up treatments. “It’s been a long process,” Alfonso noted in 2023, and that sentiment holds true. They’ve incorporated more family time, with Alfonso scaling back some hosting duties to be present for milestones.
This new insight has also sparked broader discussions on parental guilt and childcare. “Every parent juggles responsibilities,” Angela said. “But this reminded us that no job is worth missing those precious moments.” The Ribeiros, parents to Alfonso Jr., 11, Anders, 10, and Ava, plus Alfonso’s 22-year-old daughter Sienna from a previous marriage, have grown closer through the experience.
Reflecting on the journey, Alfonso shared, “Ava’s resilience inspires us daily. She’s not defined by the accident; she’s our little warrior.” As they move forward, the family focuses on gratitude, turning a traumatic event into a catalyst for stronger bonds.
In a world where celebrity lives often seem perfect, the Ribeiros’ honesty about regret and recovery offers a relatable glimpse into the challenges of parenthood. Ava’s story, from pain to perseverance, reminds us all to cherish every moment.
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