Dr. Frank Ryan's Accident One of Many Celebrity Driving Misfortunes

Carol Whyte, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Aug 19, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Hollywood, while sometimes seemingly impervious to anything else the rest of us mere mortals endure, has just lost one more of its famous citizens. The death of plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan has been a tragic blow to not only those whose lives he touched, but also to the rest of the world who is reminded of the stark reality that texting and driving don't mix.

Dr. Ryan's death is one of the most tragic outcomes, but in Hollywood and Celebrityville everywhere, there is a long list of stars who have managed to cause mania, mess and misfortune while behind the wheel. Whether it was alcohol, drugs, texting, or a combination of different factors, many have fallen victim to bad choices.

Tiger Woods accident on November 27, 2009 initially left more questions unanswered about the peculiar accident outside his home. After hitting a fire hydrant and a tree at 2:25 in the morning, Elin was standing over him as he lay in the street just as any other worried wife would do.

The rest of the Tiger story is finally melting into history...maybe!

And Mel Gibson offers plenty of fodder for a story like this. Take for instance his arrest for DUI in 2006 followed by his anti-Semitic remarks that threatened to destroy his career.

Then, just a few days ago, Mel wrecked his Maserati when he crashed into a hillside. This time, however, alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

It would be totally remiss not to mention Lindsey Lohan, perhaps the queen of mayhem and misfortune especially when it comes to driving. First in May, 2007, Lindsay ran up on a curb in Beverly Hills and police later found cocaine inside her car. She was arrested for DUI and introduced to a device called a SCRAM bracelet.

She had a minor fender-bender in 2008 which wasn't her fault when she was sideswiped by a motorcyclist, and then just recently in May, when Lohan decided not to appear for a DUI progress report, the embattled actress was sentence to 90 days in jail.

But perhaps one of the saddest cases of a star and car incident involves Rebecca Gayheart, who when busy with her cell phone, accidentally struck a young boy in June, 2001 which resulted in his death. Gayheart was charged with misdemeanor manslaughter.

Fox News has put together a slideshow of stars who have suffered behind the wheel. To view, click here.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2009/10/07/driving-famous-tiger-woods-pamela-bach/?test=faces#slide=1

Published by Carol Whyte

Previous freelance writer for two business magazines, on-line contributor for Yahoo! Contributor Network, and National Examiner. Consistently awarded YCN's Top 100/500 and listed as Top 1000 for 2009 and 2010. View profile

Dr. Frank Ryan's Accident One of Many Celebrity Driving Misfortunes

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