The voice actor, Yevgeny 'Eugene' Mirman, who was involved in a fiery car crash earlier this week, has been identified as the victim. As previously reported by PEOPLE, New Hampshire State Police were called to a "single-vehicle crash" into a toll plaza on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Bedford at approximately 11:55 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31. According to a press release, the victim was identified as 51-year-old Mirman, known for his role as Gene Belcher on the animated series Bob's Burgers.
A representative for the actor shared a statement with PEOPLE, saying, "Eugene was in a very scary car accident. He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders, and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries."
According to the press release shared by authorities, “While units were responding, a veteran State Trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte’s security detail came upon the crash and saw that the vehicle was actively on fire. The driver was then pulled from the burning car through a window and brought to safety. Governor Ayotte, along with other witnesses at the scene, provided assistance to the Trooper.”
The comedian was transported to the hospital “with serious injuries” by ambulance, per the release. No charges have been filed at this time, but NHSP said all aspects of the crash remain under investigation.
In addition to Bob's Burgers, Mirman, who was born in Moscow, Russia, and later moved to New York City, has appeared on numerous other shows and films, including Flight of the Conchords, Delocated, Archer, Broad City, StarTalk, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Inside Amy Schumer, Conan O’Brien, The Colbert Report, Late Night with Seth Myers, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Home Movies, and more. He is also featured in films such as The Bob's Burgers Movie, Confess, and Fletch. He co-founded the comedy production company Pretty Good Friends.
Col. Mark B. Hall praised the actions of those involved in the crash in a press release, stating, "Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did. Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it."
Hall further stated in a statement to Boston news outlet WCVB, "The governor did get out of the vehicle and tried to assist in any way she could at the scene. She wasn't in harm's way at any point, but she has a great deal of care for our citizens and tried to do what she could at the scene to provide assistance."
Governor Ayotte also spoke out following the incident in a post on X, saying, "I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts today. Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today."
