Man Who Gary Collins Hit in DUI Crash Dies

Posted Dec 10th 2007 12:32PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned that the elderly man who was hit by a car driven by a drunk Gary Collins has died.

Collins was arrested after plowing into a car driven by 89-year-old Warren Gates in October. Gates had been hospitalized since the accident, and sadly died 8:00 PM Friday.

Collins pleaded no contest last Thursday to DUI charges and was sentenced to 96 hours in jail.

No word yet on whether Collins will be hit with additional charges. Collins was, however, found not to be at fault for causing the accident. Collins' lawyer tells TMZ, "We are saddened to hear that the gentleman has passed away. This was an unfortunate accident. We are pleased that the police found that Mr. Collins was not at fault. We send our condolences to the family."

Filed under: Celebrity Justice

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46. #37 I agree. Gary had similar drunk driving accident in 2002. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Posted at 1:54PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Alexa

47. This is a very sad story. My prayers are with all involved. People don't drink and drive!!!! Collins has made a mistake that can't be taken back. My heart breaks for families who lose a loved one to a drunk driver. This is a crime that can happen to ANYONE - Christmas parties are going on this month - be careful everyone that has a drink.

Posted at 1:54PM on Dec 10th 2007 by justmyopinion

48. It's sad that Mr. Gates died in this accident, but just because Mr. Collins was drinking and driving doesn't necessarily mean he was at fault for the collision. If the Mr. Gates was found to be at fault for the crash, then Mr. Collins will only be charged with 23152(a) V.C. - Misd DUI and maybe 23152(b) V.C. - BAC .08% or Greater. This however DOES NOT excuse the fact Mr Collins was drinking and driving. Find a Designated Driver...bottom line, you should NEVER DRIVE DRUNK!!!!

Posted at 1:55PM on Dec 10th 2007 by KP

49. Anyone else would get a lot more jail time. This man KILLED another human being. Just because he is rich and famous, shouldnt mean he is above the law. God bless that family.

Posted at 1:57PM on Dec 10th 2007 by deb

50. How disappointing....how OLD must we get to understand if you're going to drink, just stay home! I've always kind of enjoyed him but in this case, he was drunk, the guy died and he should be charged with vehicular manslaughter......period.

Posted at 2:00PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Liz

51. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR DRUNK DRIVING COLLINS SHOULD GO TO PRISON

Posted at 2:01PM on Dec 10th 2007 by NILES MILFORD

52. I wouldn't be surprised if a manslaughter charge was added-- but since he already agreed to a plea bargain, they might not.

Posted at 2:02PM on Dec 10th 2007 by m*sat

53. I REALIZE THAT ALCOHOL IS A DESEASE BUT WHEN YOU ARE WEALTHY AND HAVE ALL THE MEANS IN THE WORLD TO HELP YOUR SELF I JUST THINK IT IS TERRIBLE ESPECIALLY WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO DIE FOR YOUR IGNORANCE. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO REALLY DON'T HAVE THE MEANS TO GET HELP EITHER NO MONEY, OR TRANSPORTATION OR SOME OTHER SITUATION BUT THESE STARS AND THE RICH THEY HAVE ALL THE MEANS IN THE WORLD AND STILL CONTINUE BEING STUPID AND TAKING OTHER PEOPLES LIVES IN THERE OWN HANDS WHAT A WASTE.THESE TYPE SHOULD BE SET AN EXAMPLE OF. WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE? I DO NOT FEEL SORRY FOR HIM HE FEEL SORRY FOR THE MAN THAT DIED AND I THINK GARY COLLINS IS SOME ONE WHO HAS NO REGARDS FOR ANY ONE ELSE AND THINKS ONLY OF HIS SELF. I LOST A SON TO CANCER IT BROKE MY HEART BUT TO HAVE THIS POOR OLD MAN DIE FOR NO REASON EXCEPT THAT GARY COLLINS WANTED AND DECIDED TO DRINK AND DRIVE. WELL AS YOU CAN SEE I AM SO DISGUSTED WITH HIM I COULD GO ON AND ON SO I GUESS I WILL END THIS. MAY GOD,BLESS THE FAMILY THAT HAS TO GO ON WITH OUT THERE LOVED ONE BECAUSE OF A DRUNK.

Posted at 2:12PM on Dec 10th 2007 by BARBARA

54. BARBRAS SON DIED OF CANCER LOL@HER!

Posted at 2:15PM on Dec 10th 2007 by MatthewJohn

55. Um, does anyone read the facts before passing judgment? The article clearly states: "Collins was, however, found not to be at fault for causing the accident."

Yeah, he was drunk and should be punished. But if he was not the actual and/or proximate cause of the accident, and therefore Mr. Gates' death, how is Collins a murderer?

Posted at 2:15PM on Dec 10th 2007 by What the?

56. Drunk Driving is better than crunk dialing. I drink and drive daily you n00bs it is the greatest thing ever, the cool air running through my hair, I drop the pedal ya'll cause we gonna raid.

Posted at 2:17PM on Dec 10th 2007 by MatthewJohn

57. If you all read the article it says that he was not responsible for causing the accident...he just happened to be drunk while being in a crash but his drunkeness did not cause the crash...I'm absolutely not saying that because of I approve of anyone driving drunk but just wanted to point out that he can't be charged with killing that guy because he wasn't the one that caused the accident. Obviously if he had caused the accident then by all means go after him full force for vehicle homicide.

Posted at 2:19PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Jill

58. If you are going to comment, get your facts straight first. Mr. Gates is the one who drove through the stop sign and plowed into Collins' car. NOT the other way around. No excuse for driving drunk, but the crash was not Collins' fault.

Posted at 2:26PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Shaka

59. WHO THE HELL IS GARY COLLINS?????

Posted at 2:28PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Stef

60. It may not have been his "fault" but he was driving drunk and had he not been, the other guy would not have been in this accident. YOU DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, PERIOD!

Posted at 2:29PM on Dec 10th 2007 by Liz

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