Carrie Bernans, an actress and stuntwoman from films including The Color Purple (2023) and Black Panther, was critically injured in the early hours of Monday morning (Jan. 1) in New York City during an an alleged hit-and-run.
The 29-year-old was hurt alongside eight others after being struck by a man who crashed into the outdoor dining area of Chirp, a Peruvian restaurant in midtown Manhattan at around 1:30 a.m. ET. The driver later slammed into another car before officers arrived. PEOPLE confirmed that the hit-and-run took place while officers were following up about “a physical assault involving the 44-year-old male driver of a black Mercedes and a 34-year-old female passenger in the area of 33rd Street and 6th Avenue.”
Bernans’ mother, Patricia Lee, shared photos of her following the incident and provided an update. “She [has] a few broken bones, fractures, & chipped teeth but thanking God that she’s alive. Nine people were injured in his attempted escape from the hit & run, including 3 police officers. Police caught him shortly after and arrested him. Amidst the chaos of the New Year’s incident, she’s holding onto an immense sense of gratitude for life itself,” she wrote.
Bernans recently gave birth to a son, but he wasn’t with her when this took place. Lee noted that Bernans remains in “so much pain,” but is out of surgery.
She shared, “This setback hasn’t deterred her belief that something remarkable is still being crafted by God. Despite the injuries sustained in the collision caused by a hit-and-run in NYC, she’s filled with hope and faith in the unfolding of a beautiful new chapter. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she navigate this path toward recovery and new beginnings.”
Just days before, Bernans was celebrating the release of The Color Purple. “Overflowing with joy as I invite you to step into the vibrant world of ‘The Color Purple‘—a film that holds my heart. Gratitude fills me for the opportunity to blend stunts action, acting, and even dance in this production,” she expressed on Instagram. She also shared a behind-the-scenes candid moment of the cast singing Lauryn Hill and Nas’ “If I Ruled The World.”
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