Former Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Charged with DUI
Marion County, WV – May 17, 2025
Legendary Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, 57, was stopped by law enforcement in Marion County, West Virginia, on May 17 and charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Court records indicate Retton was released later that day after posting a $1,500 bond.
Details of the Arrest
- Date & Location: May 17, 2025, Marion County, West Virginia
- Charge: Driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs
- Bond Amount: $1,500
Health Battle and Fundraising Controversy
Retton first made national headlines in late 2023 when her daughter revealed on social media that the 1984 Olympic all-around champion was “fighting for her life” with a rare form of pneumonia and lacked health insurance. That plea generated over $450,000 in donations but also sparked questions about her insurance status and the management of the funds.
In January 2024, Retton appeared on NBC’s Today Show with an oxygen tube, recounting a month-long hospital stay and moments when doctors considered placing her on life support. At that time, her daughter McKenna Kelley explained that Retton’s extensive medical history—including more than 30 orthopedic surgeries and four hip replacements—classified her with pre-existing conditions that made insurance unaffordable.
Insurance and Remaining Funds
Following the Today Show interview, Retton confirmed she had secured medical insurance. Her family stated that any remaining donations after covering medical expenses would go to a charity of her choice, though no further details on disbursements have been made public.
