Actress Lisa Banes, known for roles in Gone Girl, Murder She Wrote, Cocktail, and Desperate Housewives, died in June 2021 after being struck by an e-scooter in New York City. The rider, Brian Boyd, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced in 2022.
Fatal Collision on Amsterdam Avenue
On June 4, 2021, Banes was walking to visit friends in New York. As she crossed Amsterdam Avenue near the Juilliard School, an e-scooter rider ran a red light and collided with her. The rider fled the scene in what was described as a hit-and-run.
Banes, 65, suffered a traumatic brain injury and was rushed to the hospital. She died there ten days later, on June 14.
Arrest and Sentencing of Brian Boyd
The perpetrator drove four miles to a shop in Upper Manhattan, where he had his vehicle fixed, without stopping to check on the victim. Police arrested 26-year-old Brian Boyd on August 5, 2021, at his apartment in the same area. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and failure to yield to a pedestrian, and was held on $30,000 cash bail or a $100,000 bond.
Boyd pleaded guilty to manslaughter and, on November 30, 2022, was sentenced to up to three years in prison.
Condolences from Colleagues
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement: "Brian Boyd drove recklessly with no regard for pedestrians, fatally striking a beloved actress and New Yorker before speeding off to avoid accountability. Lisa Banes will be remembered for her contributions to the rich fabric of New York City through her roles on screen and on Broadway. I offer her friends, family, and the many who loved her during her decades-long career my deepest condolences."
Comedian Seth MacFarlane wrote: "I am deeply saddened at the news of Lisa Banes’s passing. We had the good fortune to work with her on The Orville this past year. Her stage presence, magnetism, skill and talent were matched only by her unwavering kindness and graciousness toward all of us. A tremendous loss…"
Actor Dana Delany shared: "Terribly sad news about Lisa Banes. She was a consummate actor who commanded the stage. We worked together on China Beach, & I wish there had been more. My heart goes out to her wife and family."
