One Killed, Two Injured in Deadly Crash; Actor Luke Wilson Hailed as “Hero” in Aftermath
A crash between a Ferrari and a BMW in Pacific Palisades turned deadly on February 13, but ended up with movie actor Luke Wilson being called a “hero” as he spearheaded a plan to free a woman trapped and injured by the crash.
Victim’s Leg Trapped
According to bystanders, a Ferrari sped up and appeared to veer out of the driver’s control. The rear end of it moved into oncoming traffic, and it hit a pole. The vehicle hit a BMV, causing it to overturn to the passenger side, and clipped a third vehicle, an SUV.
The Ferrari’s driver Mark William Gibello of Pacific Palisades, was killed. The occupant, professional golfer Bill Haas, was hospitalized with pain in his legs.
The driver of the BMV, a 50-year-old woman, was also hospitalized, in serious condition.
Wilson was the driver of the SUV. He is most famous to audiences as the quiet lawyer boyfriend in Legally Blonde and brother of actor Owen Wilson.
According to an eyewitness, Wilson, who was unhurt, emerged from his car and quickly developed the plan by which the woman was freed. The victim’s leg was pinned, and he and the eyewitness released it. Wilson then pulled the BMV’s driver through the back trunk.
The eyewitness said that smoke was “everywhere,” and that the actor wanted to free the woman immediately, as there was a risk the Ferrari could catch on fire.
Golfer Cancels Plans in Wake of Accident
Haas, 36, has won the PGA Tour six times and was staying with Gibello as he was slated to play at the Riveriera Country Club, at the Genesis Open. He canceled these plans in the wake of the tragedy, and was described as “distraught.” Friends of the golfer noted that he had just met Gibello and his family recently.
Haas lives in South Carolina and has gone there to recuperate from the accident.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
When You Need a personal injury attorney in Southern California
Whether in quiet neighborhoods or major freeways, while driving to work or to enjoy the beach or the desert, the risk of auto accidents in the Los Angeles area is unfortunately always present. At Ellis Law, our team of qualified Los Angeles car accident lawyers are here to help.
If you or a loved one need the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, call us today. We can help you receive the justice you are due. Contact us today at 310-641-3335 for a complimentary consultation.
Additional Resources:
- CBS News. “Bill Haas, Luke Wilson involved in deadly car crash in Pacific Palisades, California.” February 14, 2018. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bill-haas-luke-wilson-involved-in-deadly-car-crash-in-pacific-palisades-california/
- CBS News. “Luke Wilson called a ‘hero’ in deadly Los Angeles crash.” February 15, 2018. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/luke-wilson-called-a-hero-in-deadly-los-angeles-crash/