Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid, are making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for their achievements or family milestones. Following their recent divorce announcement, it has come to light that the couple is facing a staggering $270,000 in debt.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, the couple owes an unpaid balance of $99,696.09 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the tax years 2021 and 2022. The Daily Mail was the first to break this surprising news.
In addition to their tax issues, the couple has also been cited for unpaid fees by the Fletcher Park Owner’s Association, which filed a lien of $2,231.76 on their Gainesville, Florida property in December 2024. The association’s claims include various fees such as special assessments, late fees, costs of collection, and attorney’s fees.
The couple’s financial troubles do not stop there. Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinic, where Lochte received treatment, has filed a lien for $127,977.73 due to unpaid medical bills from his two-day stay in November 2023. Furthermore, the hospital is seeking an additional $39,720.15 for care provided in February 2024.
As the couple prepares to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary on January 9, the news of their financial struggles adds a layer of complexity to their personal lives. Lochte, a 12-time Olympic gold medalist, has recently opened up about the challenges he faced after failing to qualify for the USA swim team for the 2021 Summer Olympics, which left him feeling depressed.
Earlier this week, Reid, 33, publicly announced that she had filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. The couple shares three children: Caiden, 7, Liv, 5, and Georgia, 23 months. Reid expressed her feelings in an Instagram post, stating, “Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection. I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing and challenging seasons of my life.”
Reid continued, “Sometimes we face trials we didn’t choose or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future. I’ve come to understand that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love — for those around me and myself.”
Lochte, 39, responded to the news with a heartfelt message to his followers, thanking them for their support during this difficult time. He shared on his Instagram Story, “Just want to say thank you to everyone who wrote a message, reached out to me, just open arms. It means a lot to me. Yesterday was a rough day for me, but like always in life, you gotta put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. So that’s what I’m doing.”
The couple’s journey began in 2016 when they met on Instagram, and they tied the knot in a civil ceremony in January 2018. Reid filed for divorce in March, and the couple’s relationship has faced its share of ups and downs, including Lochte’s struggles with mental health and the pressures of public life.
As Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid navigate their divorce and financial challenges, fans are left wondering how this will impact their family and future endeavors. The couple’s story serves as a reminder that even those in the public eye face personal struggles, and the road to healing can be a long and complex journey.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as both Lochte and Reid continue to share their experiences and move forward in their respective lives.