Life changes in a heartbeat. One minute you're watching reality TV drama unfold on a screen, and the next, a real-world tragedy strikes that makes scripted arguments over moving to LA seem incredibly trivial. For Josh Weinstein, known for his rollercoaster relationship with Natalie Mordovtseva on 90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life, that "next minute" happened on a cold highway in Arizona.
If you’ve followed the show, you know Josh as the CEO of Preview Models. He’s usually the guy trying to balance a high-pressure career with Natalie’s intense expectations. But in early 2024, the narrative shifted from dating drama to a parent's absolute worst nightmare. His son, Jett Weinstein, was involved in a horrific car accident that didn't just injure him—it changed the trajectory of his entire life.
The Highway 1-17 Crash: A Sunday That Went Wrong
It was February 4, 2024. Super Bowl Sunday was just around the corner, and Jett Weinstein was doing what any high school senior might do: heading home from a trip. He was driving back from Flagstaff to the Phoenix area with his friend, Jaxson Elliott.
They were on Interstate 17.
Anyone who has driven that stretch of road knows it can be tricky. But this wasn't just a fender bender. The vehicle lost control and slammed into a guardrail. The impact was catastrophic. Honestly, the photos from the scene were enough to make anyone’s stomach churn. The car was essentially shredded.
Tragically, Jaxson Elliott did not survive. He was only 17.
Jett survived, but the cost was heavy. The guardrail, which was supposed to be a safety feature, pierced through the vehicle. It's the kind of freak occurrence that feels like a movie script until you see the medical bills and the physical therapy equipment. Jett was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and the family was forced into a waiting game that no parent should ever have to play.
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The Long Road and the Loss of a Limb
Josh broke the news on social media with a level of vulnerability we don't usually see from him on TLC. He wasn't talking about modeling gigs or Natalie. He was asking for prayers.
The damage to Jett’s right leg was too severe to save.
Surgeons had to perform an amputation. For a kid who was a senior at Mountain Ridge High School, just months away from graduation, this was a massive blow. Imagine being seventeen and waking up to find a part of you is gone. It's heavy. It’s more than heavy; it’s life-altering.
Jett spent weeks in the hospital. He underwent seven different surgeries. Seven. Think about the physical toll that takes on a young body, not to mention the mental gymnastics of processing the death of a best friend while fighting for your own recovery. Josh and Jett's mother, Candice Mishler, remained staples at his bedside.
The Controversy Surrounding the Guardrail
As the dust settled, the story took a legal and technical turn. It turns out, this wasn't just "bad luck."
There has been significant pushback against the specific type of guardrail involved in the crash. These are often referred to as "X-Lite" guardrails or similar end-terminal designs. The allegation in many circles—and eventually in legal filings—is that instead of telescoping or slowing the car down, the guardrail acted like a spear.
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Basically, it pierced the car instead of catching it.
By 2025, the conversation moved from the hospital room to the courtroom. Lawsuits were filed against the state and the manufacturers. The argument? That the authorities knew these guardrails were dangerous but didn't move fast enough to replace them. It’s a messy, bureaucratic nightmare that adds a layer of anger to the grief Josh’s family was already feeling.
How Natalie Mordovtseva Handled the Crisis
Viewers were naturally curious: where was Natalie?
Their relationship has always been... complicated. On 90 Day Fiancé, we saw Natalie struggle with Josh not giving her enough time or a "clear status." When the accident happened, the public eye turned to her.
Initially, she was quiet. Then, she shared her support on Instagram, asking fans to pray for Jett and donating to the GoFundMe set up for his medical expenses. It was a rare moment of solidarity in a relationship usually defined by friction. While they’ve had their ups and downs (mostly downs, depending on which episode you’re watching), the tragedy seemed to put their petty squabbles on ice, at least temporarily.
Where is Jett Weinstein Now?
Recovery isn't a straight line. It's a series of zig-zags.
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As of 2026, Jett has shown incredible resilience. He didn't let the amputation stop him from hitting those "normal" milestones. He managed to attend his high school graduation, which was a huge emotional win for the family.
He’s been working with prosthetics, which is a grueling process. It’s not like the movies where you just strap a leg on and run a marathon. It’s blisters, and phantom pains, and relearning how to balance your entire center of gravity.
Josh has been vocal about how proud he is. He often posts updates showing Jett back in the gym or just hanging out, trying to reclaim a sense of normalcy. The "90 Day" fame gave them a platform to raise nearly $100,000 via GoFundMe, which was crucial because, let's be real, even with insurance, the cost of a lifetime of prosthetic care is astronomical.
The Reality of Being a "Reality TV" Family in Crisis
It’s easy to judge these people when they’re arguing about whether or not to have a baby on a scripted-feeling date. It’s much harder to judge them when you see a father posting a photo of his son’s empty hospital bed after a successful discharge.
The josh weinstein 90 day fiancé son accident serves as a stark reminder that these "characters" have very real, very fragile lives. Josh has taken a lot of heat over the years for his "playboy" edit on TV, but his dedication to Jett’s recovery has shifted the perspective for many fans. He isn't just a guy with a modeling agency; he's a dad who almost lost his kid.
Key Takeaways from Jett's Journey
- Guardrail Safety: If you’re ever involved in a roadside safety discussion, remember the name "X-Lite." These lawsuits are ongoing, and they highlight a massive gap in infrastructure safety.
- The Power of Community: The "90 Day" fandom can be toxic, but they showed up when it mattered. The funds raised have directly impacted Jett's ability to get high-end prosthetic care.
- Resilience is Real: Jett’s ability to stay positive despite losing a friend and a limb is the real story here.
Moving forward, the focus remains on Jett’s long-term mobility and the legal battles regarding road safety. If you want to support survivors of similar accidents, look into organizations like the Amputee Coalition, which provides resources for young people navigating life after limb loss. Advocacy for safer road barriers is also a growing movement that deserves more than just a passing glance in a news cycle.
Jett's story isn't over; he's just starting a different chapter than the one he expected.