Josh Riley

Josh Cauldwell-Clarke of beloved social video producer duo Josh & Jase is recovering from a torn ligament days after visiting Holland.

Cauldwell-Clarke posted an update Jan. 19 after returning to the hospital to request scans after being released without a diagnosis earlier in the day. He'd stayed overnight after his partner in travel, Jason Riley, discovered him on the floor at their lodging site in severe pain. Cauldwell-Clarke described the incident as a "sharp shooting, punching pain" in his back.

"I'm going home with lots of stuff to keep me topped up," he said. "Steroids, medication. ... Thanks so much for all the support — onwards and upwards."

Riley posted about the incident Jan. 18, saying Cauldwell-Clarke was taken to an area hospital by EMS. He assured concerned fans the traveling pair has insurance, so offers of fundraising are unnecessary.

"That's so lovely and kind, but please don't worry," he wrote.

Several hours later, Cauldwell-Clarke posted his own update.

"It has been a really difficult day," he wrote. "I woke up this morning totally fine and in the space of one hour everything changed and I hit the floor and needed help immediately. I am on a few different painkillers that have helped, but I’m still battling through it.

"I have received so much love from everyone and you’ve had me crying just hearing and reading the support you have all gave me. I’ll keep you updated as much as I can, but I’m alive and on the mend."

For now, the duo is focused on rest and recovery.

Who are Josh & Jase?

Josh & Jase — a social media producer duo known for their enthusiasm for all things U.S. — have chosen Michigan for their most recent American Tour. The two, thus far, have been shocked and delighted by the region's charm and hospitality ... though not so much the cold.

The pair last visited Boyne Mountain Resort after spending time in Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Beforehand, they explored Grand Rapids, Holland, Saugatuck and South Haven.

While documenting their travels, Josh & Jase (who have 758,000-plus followers on Instagram and TikTok) have captured the attention of local businesses and residents, who've flooded their comment section with recommendations on where to visit.

In the evening hours of Jan. 14, after visiting Grand Rapids, the duo returned to Holland for their first-ever college basketball game at DeVos Fieldhouse. During halftime, each attempted a halfcourt shot (they failed, but Hope College won). Hundreds of people, according to sports reporter Dan D'Addona, lined up for selfies. The pair posted about the experience that night.

"We wouldn’t be able to do all of this without your guys' support," they wrote. "We’re sorry we couldn’t spend longer with each person, we just wanted to make sure everyone was looked after. We just wanna say thank you so much for the love. We never expected it to get this big, to turn up to a college basketball game and take photos with hundreds of you guys is insane to us. We’re just enjoying the ride of it all.

"... We are still in shock right now at what’s just happened. We cannot comprehend it. This is more than just some numbers on social media, this is a community. This is family. It’s everything."

— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at [email protected].

(This story was updated to add new information.)