Matthew Broderick: The Unknown Fatal Accident That Haunts Him

In August 1987, actors Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey were involved in a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two women.

This incident, which happened during their vacation in Northern Ireland, has haunted them ever since.

Despite the severity of the accident, it remains relatively unknown to the public.

Broderick and Grey embarked on a trip through Northern Ireland after completing their respective projects.

Broderick had just finished filming Biloxi Blues, while Grey was promoting the upcoming release of Dirty Dancing.

Little did they know that this vacation would take a devastating turn.

On August 5th, the couple found themselves lost several times while driving from Irvinestown to Maguiresbridge.

Seeking directions at a gas station, they encountered rain and had to wait for it to pass.

They proceeded on their journey but were forced to stop again at another gas station due to the rain.

Frustrated by their repeated setbacks, they sought help from an off-duty police officer near Enniskillen.

The officer advised them against taking their chosen route, deeming it unsafe given the unfavorable weather conditions.

Unfortunately, Broderick disregarded the officer's warning and continued driving in the same direction.

The officer followed them for a short distance, estimating their speed to be around 40 miles per hour.

Tragically, Broderick swerved into the opposite lane and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.

The occupants of the other car were Margaret Doherty, a 63-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who used a wheelchair, and her 28-year-old daughter, Anna Gallagher, who often assisted her mother.

The crash was violent, resulting in all four individuals being rushed to Erne Hospital.

Despite medical efforts, Margaret and Anna succumbed to their injuries.

Broderick and Grey miraculously survived the accident but not without injuries.

Broderick suffered cuts to his face from shattered windows, a concussion, and a broken leg and ribs.

Grey, on the other hand, had ligaments torn from the back of her neck and required spinal surgery.

Both endured a painful recovery.

Following the accident, there was speculation about the cause, with many believing there must have been a reason behind the fatal crash.

Grey defended Broderick, stating that he was a great driver and that it was simply an accident.

Broderick pleaded guilty to reckless driving and faced potential prison time.

However, he received a relatively lenient punishment, paying bail and a fine instead.

The court's decision not to charge Broderick with vehicular manslaughter angered the family and friends of Margaret and Anna, who deemed it a miscarriage of justice.

The aftermath of the accident was particularly challenging for Grey, as Dirty Dancing was released shortly afterward, thrusting her into stardom while she struggled to cope with the tragedy.

Years later, Broderick expressed remorse and stated his intention to meet with the victims' family during a visit to Ireland.

However, the meeting never materialized, and Broderick faced criticism for his involvement in a Super Bowl commercial in 2012.

Despite this, Martin Doherty, the son and brother of the deceased women, forgave Broderick and expressed the possibility of finding closure through a meeting.

Today, Broderick and his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, own a vacation home in County Donegal, Ireland.

The memories of that fateful accident still linger, reminding them of the lives lost and the impact it had on their own lives.