Herbert Coward, who played the role of “Toothless Man” in the movie “Deliverance” died in a car crash in western North Carolina this week, state officials said. The actor was 85.
The fatal two-vehicle wreck Wednesday took place after Coward pulled out onto U.S. Route 19 in front of a truck, North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. M.J. Owens confirmed to USA TODAY Thursday night.
The crash occurred after Coward, and his 78-year-old girlfriend Bertha Brooks, left a doctor’s appointment, according to The Associated Press.
Brooks, a Chihuahua and pet squirrel inside the car, also died in the crash, the outlet reported.
Coward, who lived in Haywood County, was “famous locally for having a pet squirrel” Owens told The Associated Press.
16-year-old truck driver taken to hospital
His home is near the city Waynesville, just over 30 miles west of Asheville.
Owens told the AP the driver of the truck, a 16-year-old boy, was transported to a hospital “as a precaution” and a preliminary investigation determined speed or distraction do not appear to be factors in the crash.