Hollywood star Cliff Curtis to appear in court over waterfront crash
Kiwi Hollywood star Cliff Curtis was allegedly driving under the influence during a crash between his Tesla and a parked taxi on Auckland’s waterfront.
Police confirmed this morning a 58-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on October 15 over charges of reckless driving and driving with excess blood alcohol.
Curtis confirmed last week he was involved in the crash about 10.30pm on September 23 at the intersection of Jellicoe St and Halsey St.
Firefighters arrived at the crash to find a taxi driver trapped inside a Prius. Crews cut him out of the car and provided life support until St John arrived.
Hato Hone St John said two people – one in a serious condition and one moderate – were taken to Auckland City Hospital.
A third person also suffered minor injuries.
Curtis last week confirmed he was hospitalised with internal injuries after the crash.
“I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time,” he said.
Curtis said he helped the other injured parties with first aid until emergency services arrived.
He said he was “collaborating fully with relevant authorities”.
No further comment would be made “out of respect for the process”.
No one was home when NZME visited Curtis’ Rotorua home after the crash.
Curtis’ New Zealand agent Gabriella Larkin-Bruce did not respond to multiple approaches by the Herald.
Curtis is one of New Zealand’s most successful movie stars, having appeared in blockbuster films such as the Avatarand Fast & Furiousfranchises, Once Were Warriors, Whale Riderand Live Free or Die Hard.
Curtis was photographed alongside UFC star Israel Adesanya at the New Zealand Breakers’ season-opening win over the Illawara Hawks at Spark Arena three days before the crash.