In June 2001, Gayheart was involved in a tragic traffic accident in Los Angeles. Driving a friend’s 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, she fatally struck nine-year-old Jorge Cruz Jr., who was jaywalking across a busy street. While other vehicles had stopped to let the child cross, Gayheart, attempting to maneuver around the traffic, struck the boy. He died the following day from his injuries.
According to police reports, Gayheart was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and she cooperated fully at the scene. Five months after the incident, she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge. Her sentence included three years of probation, a one-year suspension of her driving license, a $2,800 fine, and 750 hours of community service. Additionally, she helped pay for the child’s medical costs, funeral expenses, and counseling services for the grieving family.
While Rebecca Gayheart continues to be recognized for her acting roles and early presence in pop culture, the vehicular accident remains a significant aspect of her public narrative. Nevertheless, she has maintained a relatively private lifestyle in recent years and is focused on parenting and selective professional engagements. Her life and career continue to reflect both the complexities and resilience of a public figure navigating personal tragedy and professional achievements.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 12 Aug, 1971 |
| Age: | 48 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Hazard |
| Education: | Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Spouse: | Eric Dane [M. 2004] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 5 million |
