Dancing With the Stars cohost Alfonso Ribeiro recently opened up about a harrowing experience involving his youngest daughter, Ava. On May 11, the little one was involved in a scooter accident that left her with serious injuries. Ava underwent emergency surgery shortly after the incident and has since begun her road to recovery. As a father, Alfonso has been incredibly vocal about the ordeal, sharing updates and expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received. Keep reading for all the details on Ava's condition and treatment.
How Did the Accident Happen to Alfonso Ribeiro’s Daughter Ava?
Alfonso first shared the news of Ava’s accident on May 12, taking to Instagram to post a photo of her injuries. In the caption, the beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star expressed his gratitude to the medical professionals who helped care for his daughter. He wrote, “Not the kind of day you want the day before turning 4,” referring to Ava’s upcoming birthday. Alfonso went on to thank Dr. Kare Skin for providing emergency care and performing a procedure to minimize scarring. He also expressed pride in his daughter’s bravery during the surgery, saying, “So proud of how brave my baby girl was during the surgery.”

The post quickly garnered support from Alfonso’s Dancing With the Stars castmates and celebrity friends. Pro dancer Sasha Farber commented, “She is such a brave little one,” while Alan Bersten shared, “Sending so much love.” The outpouring of support highlighted the tight-knit community surrounding the Ribeiro family during this challenging time.
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Alfonso Ribeiro on Ava’s Recovery Journey
Alfonso provided further insight into Ava’s injuries during an appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark on May 16. He explained the severity of the accident, saying, “On Thursday, unfortunately, my daughter got injured and had to have emergency surgery. It was a very stressful weekend.” He described the extent of Ava’s injuries, noting that she experienced road rash on her face and arm, which required the removal of skin using a scalpel. The procedure was intense, but Alfonso remained hopeful about her recovery, acknowledging, “It’s going to be a long process.”
In addition to Ava, Alfonso and his wife, Angela Unkrich, are parents to sons Alfonso Jr. and Anders. He is also a father to his eldest daughter, Sienna, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Robin Stapler. Despite the challenges, the family came together to celebrate Ava’s fourth birthday on May 15, just days after the accident. Alfonso shared a series of photos from the celebration, captioning them, “Happy Birthday to my sweet Ava Sue. As some of you know, Ava had a very difficult week. I’m so proud of how well she handled everything. She’s so brave, strong, and creative. I love everything about my little girl.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Angela, writing, “On a side note, I’m forever grateful to [Angela] for being so amazing during this time. Long nights with a little girl in pain and having to apply medication every few hours. My two heroes.”

