Tragic story of how Ferris Bueller’s Day Off star Matthew Broderick killed two strangers
The star of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Matthew Broderick killed two people in 1987. Broderick had been visiting Ireland[1] with his girlfriend at the time Jennifer Grey when the tragedy occurred.
Loading… The tragedy happened on 5 August 1987, only a few days before the release of Dirty Dancing[2], starring Grey.
Broderick had been driving a rented BMW 316 from Irvinestown to Maguiresbridge when they stopped for directions from an off-duty police[3] officer, before continuing on their journey. A downpour of rain had left the roads wet, and around 80 miles west of Belfast[4] the car veered onto the opposite side of the road. It struck an oncoming vehicle head on.
The car was being driven by 28-year-old Amy Gallagher, who was with her mother Margaret Doherty, 63. Both occupants were pronounced dead at Erne Hospital.
Matthew Broderick was involved in a car crash in 1987.
Credit: Michael Loccisano/WireImage/Getty
Broderick spent four weeks in the hospital according to a report from Page Six. The actor had cuts to his face and a broken right leg. A local firefighter Ken Ramsey, told how rescuers ‘had to cut the side away from the American’s car to give him first aid’.
Ramsey added that his ‘main concern was for the people in the other car[5]‘. He recalled: “He kept saying ‘Did I hurt them? Did I hurt them?'”
Speaking to the authorities at the time, Broderick said: “I don’t remember the day. I don’t remember even getting up in the morning. “I don’t remember making my bed.
What I first remember is waking up in the hospital, with a very strange feeling going on in my leg.” Broderick was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. In the end, Broderick pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving, and paid a fine of £175.
Broderick paid a fine of £175 fine following the crash. Credit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage via Getty
Margaret’s son Martin Doherty said: “There was a note after the accident from him saying how sorry he was – but no other contact. “I would like a private meeting just between the family and him.
I would like to reassure him that there are no bad feelings from us.” Some years later, Doherty spoke to the New York Post and clarified that he had forgiven Broderick for the tragedy. He told the New York post: “He didn’t kill my mother and sister deliberately.
There were strong feelings at the time, but I have since forgiven him and feel no anger toward him.” Broderick has said that the crash still haunts him, telling Best: “It was extremely difficult coming to grips with what happened, but in time I felt better about that terrible experience. Therapy helped.”
LADbible has reached out to representatives of Matthew Broderick for comment.