Concealed-Carry Permit and a Startling Encounter
Reality TV star Tarek El Moussa, known for his role in the hit show “Flip or Flop,” recently shared a harrowing experience he had while hiking in the wilderness. Armed with his concealed-carry permit, El Moussa carried a gun as a precautionary measure due to the presence of mountain lions and bobcats on the trail. Little did he know that this decision would escalate into a shocking encounter.
A Helicopter and Police Intervention
As El Moussa continued his hike, he noticed a helicopter hovering above him. Initially, he assumed it was related to a potential wildfire in the area. However, his assumption quickly dissipated when he realized that the helicopter was, in fact, targeting him. A police officer leaned out of the aircraft, pointing a rifle directly at El Moussa. The roar of the helicopter blades created a whirlwind of dust, amplifying the tension in the air. Through the loudspeaker, a voice commanded El Moussa to raise his hands.
Dramatic Turn of Events
Confused and bewildered, El Moussa responded to the officer’s call, identifying himself as the person from television. The reality star had unknowingly triggered this alarm when he had placed a call to 911 earlier. Subsequently, El Moussa found himself sitting on his driveway, handcuffed, for several hours. Distressed, he observed his family’s heartbreaking departure from the scene, leaving him to question the surreal situation he found himself in.
Personal Struggles and Rock Bottom
In a candid confession, El Moussa shared the toll this incident had taken on his mental and emotional well-being. Reflecting on his divorce from his former wife and co-star, Christina Hall, he revealed that he had hit “rock bottom.” The reality TV star admitted to feeling such anguish that he contemplated taking his own life. In an attempt to safeguard himself, El Moussa sought solace in living in a sober house to mitigate the risk of being alone.
A Complex Journey
El Moussa’s tumultuous personal life was exacerbated by his battle with two types of cancer leading up to the end of his marriage. The hormonal changes resulting from his treatments inflicted anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and extreme emotional fluctuations upon the reality star. Regrettably, this turmoil ultimately contributed to the dissolution of his marriage.
Despite the challenges he faced, El Moussa has since remarried and is now happily sharing a life with his new wife and son. Hall, too, has moved on and is currently married to Joshua Hall.
In sharing his traumatic encounter and personal struggles, El Moussa brings attention to the complexity of his journey and highlights the importance of mental health awareness.