Avatar star Cliff Curtis has confirmed he was hospitalised with internal injuries after a high-speed crash in Auckland, New Zealand. The 58-year-old actor was reportedly one of two people in a Tesla that collided with a parked Prius taxi on the city's waterfront last week.
Crash details and emergency response
The incident is said to have occurred at 10.30pm at a busy intersection on September 23. Firefighters on the scene reportedly cut the driver out of the taxi and provided him with life support until emergency services arrived.
Fire and Emergency Auckland City senior station officer Michael Manning told the New Zealand Herald it was a 'very high-speed impact'. New Zealand Police reportedly told the publication that no charges have been filed and the investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.
Curtis's statement and injuries
Curtis shared a statement in which he confirmed he was hospitalised with internal injuries, while the taxi driver is said to have been left 'seriously injured'. In the statement provided to the Herald, he said: 'I am deeply saddened by this incident. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, and their families at this time.'
The actor went on to say that he assisted the two others involved in the collision with first aid until emergency services arrived. The statement said he was 'collaborating fully with relevant authorities' and that he will not be making any further comment 'out of respect for the process'.
Injuries and background
The reporting stated that of the three involved in the collision, one was left in a 'serious condition', another in a 'moderate condition' and the third person suffered 'minor injuries'. Metro contacted the police, which said there was no update at this time, and Fire and Emergency Auckland said they could not comment due to privacy reasons.
Curtis was born in Rotorua, New Zealand and is of Māori descent. His acting credits include The Piano and The Meg, as well as the second and third Avatar films. He is slated to appear in the fourth and fifth instalments of the franchise. Metro also contacted Curtis's representative for further comment.
