A serious single-vehicle crash in Bedford resulted in the hospitalization of Eugene Mirman, a 51-year-old voice actor best known for his work on the Fox animated comedy series Bob's Burgers, after his vehicle struck a toll tower and burst into flames on Tuesday, March 31.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Mirman was driving a 2026 Lucid Gravity SUV when the collision occurred. A veteran state trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte's security detail arrived at the scene to find the vehicle actively burning with the driver still trapped inside.
The trooper pulled Mirman from the burning vehicle through a window and brought him to safety. Governor Ayotte, who was present at the scene, along with other witnesses, provided assistance to the trooper during the rescue operation. The identity of the trooper is being withheld due to the nature of their security position.
"Eugene was in a very scary car accident," a spokesperson for Mirman stated on Wednesday, April 1. "He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries."
Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police praised the actions of those who responded to the emergency. "Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did," Colonel Hall said in a press release. "Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it."
In a subsequent interview with local station WCVB, Colonel Hall elaborated on Governor Ayotte's involvement at the scene. "She tried to assist in any way she could at the scene," he explained. "She wasn't in harm's way at any point, but she has a great deal of care for our citizens and tried to do what she could at the scene to provide assistance."
Governor Ayotte, 57, addressed the incident via social media on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the rescue efforts. "I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts today," she wrote. "My husband, Joseph Daley, and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today."
The New Hampshire Department of Safety confirmed that no charges have been filed at this time, though all aspects of the crash remain under investigation. The circumstances that led to the vehicle striking the toll tower have not been disclosed.
Mirman has been a prominent voice in animation for more than a decade, having voiced the character Gene Belcher on over 300 episodes of Bob's Burgers since the show premiered in 2011. He also reprised the role in The Bob's Burgers Movie in 2022. Beyond voice acting, he has appeared in various television comedies including Delocated, Flight of the Conchords, and Broad City, as well as the 2022 film Confess, Fletch.
The Moscow-born comedian, who immigrated to the United States at age four, recently released a comedy special titled Here Comes The Whimsy on the streaming platform Veeps in February. He married actress Therese Plaehn in June 2023.
The incident highlights the quick thinking and bravery of first responders and civilians who acted decisively in a life-threatening situation. As Mirman continues his recovery, his family has requested privacy during this difficult time.