Drake Bell’s Wife Janet Files For Divorce Days After He Was Reported Missing and Found Safe
Drake Bell‘s wife, Janet Von Schmeling, has filed for divorce one week after Bell was reported missing and endangered in Florida and later found safe.
Von Schmeling is citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to the dissolution of marriage petition filed in Los Angeles County’s Superior Court on Thursday.
Von Schmeling, 28, is also requesting legal and physical custody of the couple’s baby as well as spousal support, according to the document.
The divorce filing comes a week after the former child star, 36, was reported missing in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Daytona Beach Police Department first announced on Facebook on April 13 that officers were looking for Bell. But, by the afternoon he had been found.
“At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact, and Mr. Bell is safe,” a statement issued by the Daytona Beach PD read.
According to a police report cited by TMZ, the incident began after the Drake & Josh star’s brother Robert called the Orlando Police Department to report Bell was claiming he did not want to be alive following child custody concerns.
In a 911 audio recording obtained by Entertainment Tonight, an Orlando police officer recounted the family’s concerns about alleged suicidal statements by Bell.
Days before the incident, Bell was seen enjoying a day at Sea World with his young son Jeremy, according to a photo obtained by TMZ. In the picture, Bell can be seen outside at the park with his son, who carries a plush Cookie Monster toy.
Bell, who rose to fame in the 2000s with roles on The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh alongside Josh Peck, has frequently garnered headlines for his behavior in recent years.
He was accused by ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafelt of verbal and physical abuse in 2020, and he has denied the allegations. He was also charged with a misdemeanor in 2016 and served one day in jail for a 2015 suspicion of DUI.
