Herbert Coward, best known for his role as the Toothless Man in the acclaimed 1972 film Deliverance, has tragically passed away at the age of 85. The veteran actor, alongside his partner Bertha Brooks, 78, his beloved pet chihuahua named Little Man, and his pet squirrel named Cowgirl, was involved in a fatal car crash on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports from ABC News, the accident occurred when Coward, driving his silver Nissan, attempted to turn onto the US Route 23 Highway in Haywood County, North Carolina after a medical appointment. Unfortunately, Coward failed to yield the right of way, leading to a collision with a truck driven by a 16-year-old. Both Coward and Brooks were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Law enforcement officials informed FOX Carolina that the teenager involved in the crash was not charged, and state troopers determined no crime had been committed. The 16-year-old was taken to a local hospital, and updates regarding their condition are yet to be revealed.

Herbert Coward's portrayal of the Toothless Man in Deliverance catapulted him to fame, with his improvised lines leaving a lasting impact. He secured the role after meeting the film's leading man, Burt Reynolds, during their work together at the Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Reynolds was adamant about bringing Coward on board for the film, praising his acting skills despite his difficulties with reading, writing, and speaking due to his limited education.

Coward gained notoriety for his toothless smile, a result of being hit in the face with a pistol during a staged gunfight at the park. He became a recognizable figure post-Deliverance but did not work in the industry for another 35 years. However, he later produced Ghost Town: The Movie in 2007, a film that chronicled the amusement park's development, and also appeared as Harmon Teaster, a cowboy, in an episode of Hillbilly Blood in 2013.

In his later years, Coward lived a quiet life in his mountain home, often seen by locals with his pet squirrel perched on his shoulder. He maintained a deep friendship with Burt Reynolds, claiming to be one of the actor's only three real friends. Just weeks before his own passing in 2018, Reynolds visited Coward, reminiscing about their cherished bond.

The tragic accident has left a void in the film industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor and the unique characters he brought to life on screen. Herbert Coward's contributions to Deliverance and his subsequent ventures will always be remembered.