Mackenzie and Ryan met at a Tennessee gym in 2016, quickly moving in together and getting engaged within months. At the time, Mackenzie was a young mother navigating a recent divorce, while Ryan was already battling deep-rooted opioid addiction issues behind the scenes.

The true depth of the crisis became public during the Teen Mom OG Season 6 finale in May 2017. Cameras captured Ryan driving Mackenzie to their elopement while visibly under the influence—slurring his words, losing focus on the road, and repeatedly nodding off at the wheel. Mackenzie was forced to grab the steering wheel and shut off the cameras.

Immediately following the impromptu ceremony, Ryan checked into a 21-day rehabilitation program.

Mackenzie’s explanation

When a fan asked Mackenzie why she married Ryan, she had the following to say.

“I was young, confused, nervous and made a very bad decision..”

“She absolutely did not deserve what he did to her. But she was such a pick me she went on to marry him and having kids with him knowing damn well he was high high high.” one fan commented.