A Tragic Moment Almost Landed Matthew Broderick in Jail

Gettyimages | John Lamparski

Matthew Broderick was in his mid-twenties when the actor burst into stardom playing the role of a teenage slacker in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day off. What most didn't know at the time was that Broderick was involved in a secret relationship with the film's co-star Jennifer Grey.

In 1987, Broderick and Grey decided to enjoy a nice vacation to Ireland, but that vacation turned out to be anything but nice when a tragedy occurred that would change Broderick's life forever.

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Broderick was 25 during their Ireland vacation, a young age to have to endure such a tragedy.

The couple was in a rented BMW, driving down a straight road when the car veered into the oncoming lane. The pair struck an oncoming vehicle. Even now, no one knows how they ended up in the wrong lane.

Both women in the vehicle the actors struck were pronounced dead when arriving at the hospital. The victims were Anna Gallagher, 28, and her mother Margaret Doherty, 63.

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It's not uncommon for celebrity car accidents to involve alcohol or drugs, but Broderick wasn't under the influence of either. It's speculated that a simple mistake may have been the cause. Since the two countries drive on opposite sides of the road, it's possible that Broderick mistakenly drifted to the wrong side (the right).

Broderick did seem to be genuinely concerned for the victims. As a fireman, Ken Ramsey, who responded to the scene said, Broderick was repeating the question "Did I hurt them? Did I hurt them?"

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Broderick received a broken leg, a concussion, and lacerations from the accident, while Grey walked away unharmed. The actor spent four weeks in the hospital, and during that time, he was facing a potential five years behind bars for reckless driving.

He was convicted of charges, but they were reduced to "careless driving," and the actor didn't have to spend any jail time. After Broderick was only charged a $175 fine, it was reported that the family referred to his sentence as a "travesty of justice."

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The media attention over the case came back to light in 2002 because Broderick was set to visit the family of the victims back in Ireland. Over time, healing took root in the family, and Broderick had done some healing of his own after seeking therapy.

Martin Doherty, brother of one victim, son of the other, said in 2002 reports:

"There were strong feelings at the time, but I have since forgiven him and feel no anger toward him."

And, Gallagher's husband said:

“We have no hard feelings toward him. He has to live with this the rest of his life.”