Renowned actor Herbert Coward, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of the toothless man in the film “Deliverance,” passed away on Wednesday in a fatal car crash in North Carolina at the age of 85.
The tragic incident also claimed the life of Coward’s passenger, Bertha Brooks, and his beloved pets, a chihuahua, and a squirrel, as reported by TMZ. According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Coward was driving a silver Nissan, exiting a parking lot after a medical appointment in Haywood County when the collision occurred. Despite efforts by first responders to extract Coward, Brooks, and the pets from the vehicle, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
ABC News revealed that neither Coward nor Brooks had their seatbelts fastened during the collision. The North Carolina Highway Patrol mentioned that the other vehicle involved attempted to avoid the crash but was unable to do so. The 16-year-old driver of the second vehicle sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for assessment, as a precaution.
Authorities, following an investigation, concluded that no criminal activity led to the tragic accident.
Coward gained fame for his role as the “Toothless Man” in “Deliverance,” portraying a hillbilly character without front teeth. One of his most memorable scenes in the movie involved a chilling villainous act in the forest. Fans and well-wishers are expressing their condolences and paying tribute to the late actor on social media.
