Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in January 25, 2024.
Herbert “Cowboy” Coward, known for his role as Toothless Man in the 1972 classic film *Deliverance*, tragically passed away in a car accident in Haywood County, North Carolina, at the age of 85.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, also claimed the lives of his 78-year-old girlfriend, Bertha Brooks, and their pets, a Chihuahua dog and a pet squirrel.
According to reports from WLOS and FOX Carolina, the accident happened as Coward was turning onto the highway and was struck by a truck driven by a 16-year-old. The driver was hospitalized, but no charges have been filed. Coward, who had not been wearing a seatbelt, leaves behind a legacy from a film that earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
His chilling performance alongside stars like Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox remains memorable.