Comedian Eugene Mirman Expresses Profound Gratitude to Rescuers After Terrifying Car Crash
Eugene Mirman, the beloved comedian and voice actor best known for his role as Gene Belcher in the animated series Bob's Burgers, has publicly thanked the heroic individuals who rescued him from a fiery car crash in New Hampshire. The incident occurred on Tuesday at a Bedford toll plaza, where Mirman's electric vehicle struck the structure and ignited into flames.
Details of the Dramatic Rescue
Authorities reported that just before noon on the day of the crash, Mirman's vehicle collided with the toll plaza and immediately caught fire. In a remarkable turn of events, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte and her security detail arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. A state trooper from the governor's detail joined two bystanders in pulling the 51-year-old comedian from his burning car through a window.
Video footage obtained by local news outlet WCAX showed the immediate aftermath of the crash, with Mirman's vehicle completely destroyed as bright orange flames engulfed the wreckage and thick, black smoke billowed into the air.
Mirman's Emotional Instagram Response
In his first public comments about the accident, Mirman took to Instagram on Friday morning to express his gratitude. "I am extraordinarily thankful to the heroic people that pulled me from the car and to the warm, kind and talented staff at the hospital that cared for me and got me on the mend," the comedian wrote.
Mirman continued with his characteristic humor, adding: "I don't have my phone, so I haven't been online much. I do not recommend my method of decreasing screen-time. If you're a friend who sent a kind, loving message, you should know that it was hard to not respond with, 'I'd love to be on your podcast.'"
Official Statements and Praise for Rescuers
Colonel Mark Hall of New Hampshire State Police hailed Mirman's rescuers as "heroic," stating: "Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it." Governor Ayotte issued a separate statement praising the trooper on her security detail and the bystanders for their "brave life-saving efforts."
Mirman's agent, Jay Glassner, released a statement on Wednesday confirming that the actor had been hospitalized and was recovering from injuries sustained during what he described as a "very scary car accident." Glassner added: "He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend."
Mirman's Recovery and Personal Message
In his Instagram post, Mirman shared that he is "thankful beyond words to be here and doing relatively alright, all things considered." The post included a photo showing the comedian with bandages around his right forearm, wrist, and middle finger, holding up a children's picture book titled Life Is an Adventure.
Mirman concluded his message with a heartfelt sign-off: "I love you all and please take care of yourselves, Eugene." The comedian also expressed how he has been emotionally buoyed by "the well wishes, love and kind messages from friends and strangers" following the traumatic event.
Background on the Beloved Comedian
Born Evgeniy Mirman in Moscow and raised in Massachusetts, the comedian has gained widespread fame for voicing Gene Belcher in more than 300 episodes of Bob's Burgers. He also reprised the role in The Bob's Burgers Movie and has appeared in numerous television series including Flight of the Conchords, Delocated, and Archer.
The accident has drawn national media attention, highlighting both the dramatic rescue and Mirman's characteristically humorous response during his recovery process.
