Headline: "Actor Known for Role in 'Deliverance' Dies in North Carolina Crash"

In a tragic incident, Herbert Coward, the actor famous for his role as the "Toothless Man" in the iconic film "Deliverance," passed away in a car accident on a highway in western North Carolina. Authorities confirmed that Coward, 85, lost his life in the crash on Wednesday.

According to Sgt. M.J. Owens of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred in the afternoon when Coward and his companion, Bertha Brooks, 78, were leaving a doctor's appointment. Coward accidentally pulled out in front of a pickup truck on U.S. Route 19, resulting in a collision that proved fatal for both Coward and Brooks. Sadly, their Chihuahua and pet squirrel also perished in the accident.

Coward, a resident of Haywood County, was locally known for keeping a pet squirrel. Owens stated that speed and distraction are not believed to be contributing factors to the crash. The 16-year-old driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Herbert Coward's portrayal of the "Toothless Man" in the 1972 film "Deliverance" left a lasting impact on audiences. The movie, directed by John Boorman, featured Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox as a group of businessmen embarking on a canoeing trip through the wilderness of Georgia. However, their adventure quickly turns into a harrowing experience when they encounter hostile locals.

Coward's character, with his missing front teeth, was one of the men responsible for holding the paddlers at gunpoint during the infamous assault scene in "Deliverance." His line, "He got a real purty mouth, ain't he?" became a memorable quote, contributing to the iconic status of the film.

The sudden loss of Herbert Coward has left the entertainment industry and his fans mourning a talented actor whose portrayal in "Deliverance" etched itself into cinematic history. Thoughts and condolences go out to Coward's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.