Bruce Jenner’s publicist: he wasn’t texting during car crash, Bruce issues statement

Bruce Jenner and Kylie Jenner at The All Sports Film Festival closing ceremony in LA
Over the weekend, Bruce Jenner was involved in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway which resulted in one fatality. We heard various versions of the story as more details came out about the accident, which resulted in the death of a 69 year-old female driver. At first we heard that Bruce, who was driving an Escalade with an ATV trailing behind, had rear-ended the elderly woman’s car, a mid-sized Lexus sedan, which veered out into traffic and was hit by a Hummer. Then we heard that the Lexus may have stopped unexpectedly, triggering the crash. Now we’re hearing that yet another car stopped first, a Prius, which stopped in front of the Lexus, triggering the multi-car pile up.

There were similar incorrect initial stories claiming that Bruce may have been texting when he got into the accident. Some blurry far-away photos seemed to show this. Additional photos from the scene show that Bruce wasn’t holding a phone at all though, he was holding a cigarette and smoking. So as more information comes out, I do think it’s important not to blame Bruce. A woman has died and I’m sure he feels awful about it. We don’t know who was at fault in the accident, and sometimes horrible things just happen.

TMZ has the latest information, and it sounds like the accident was caused by yet another vehicle, as mentioned. We don’t know yet, though. Here’s more:

Bruce Jenner may not be the driver who caused a woman to die on PCH Saturday … because law enforcement tells TMZ they now believe the Prius that led the pack made a sudden stop, causing the Lexus to crash into it … BEFORE Bruce hit the Lexus.

As TMZ first reported … Sheriff’s deputies were suspicious of the story the Prius driver told. She said she was stopped at a red light, but she was 300 feet from the light. When cops asked her if there was a line of cars in front of her she was vague. Deputies think she might have been making an illegal U-turn.

So the current scenario is this … the Prius came to a sudden, possibly illegal stop on the highway. The Lexus hit the Prius and then Bruce slammed on his brakes, swerved right but was unable to stop, slamming into the Lexus. The Lexus then went into oncoming traffic and hit the Hummer, killing the Lexus driver.

It appears there is no criminal liability on Bruce’s part. As for civil liability, there is a law that you cannot follow too close and need to prepare for sudden events. But if the Prius stopped without warning … that driver could be at the very least partly responsible for the accident.

[From TMZ]

Bruce has issued a statement expressing his sympathy to the family of the victim. He sounds sincere here. Also, his publicist says that Bruce was not texting at all before the tragic accident.

“The evidence will show that Bruce was not texting at the time of the accident,” Alan Nierob said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials said Sunday that investigators will likely seek cellphone records for all the drivers to determine if distracted driving played a role in the four-vehicle crash on Pacific Coast Highway.

Jenner was driving a black Cadillac Escalade when he rear-ended a Lexus sedan that slammed into a Toyota Prius that had slowed down or stopped on the highway, sheriff’s Sgt. Philip Brooks said.

The Lexus veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a black Hummer.

The driver of the Lexus – Kim Howe 69, of Calabasas, California – was pronounced dead at the scene.

In his first comments since Saturday’s crash, Jenner called the accident “a devastating tragedy” and vowed to cooperate with investigators.

“My heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones, and to all of those who were involved or injured in this terrible accident,” Jenner said in a statement Sunday evening. “It is a devastating tragedy I cannot pretend to imagine what this family is going through at this time. I am praying for them.”

[From AP via Philly.com]

That was a thoughtful statement. Bruce focused on the family and their loss, as he should have. Like Bruce, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

73 Responses to “Bruce Jenner’s publicist: he wasn’t texting during car crash, Bruce issues statement”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Lilacflowers says:

    A woman died. That’s the story. Bruce Jenner and his people need to stop issuing statements and let the police do their job.

    • bjesgirl says:

      I don’t see anything wrong with them issuing statements. He would be damned if he did damned is he didn’t. Like you said, a women died so the situation is terrible regardless.

      • Angie says:

        I agree. if he said nothing people would criticize him. He says something – people criticize him.

    • Bluebear says:

      “Statements”? Are there multiple statements out there and we are not aware of them? I don’t think it’s callous or self serving up with him to of made a single statement.

      • Nicole says:

        I agree. If the story is as it looks like here, he’s not at fault and is making a statement of sympathy. Unlike 90% of celebrity statements, it doesn’t sound forced. Good writing or genuine feeling?

    • Marigold says:

      Offering condolences stops the police doing their job how, exactly?

    • Jacqueline says:

      This is actually the only statement that he has issued of which I am aware. I think that he has a right to speak for himself, considering he is being implicated on her death (guilty or not). He is having a major media moment at this point in his life and and I think the news outlets are capitalizing on that.

    • kcarp says:

      I think Bruce was being considerate. I have not heard any other statement made by him or his people.

      I think we can all agree if Bruce would have issued a statement that said, “Sorry for the wreck, it wasn’t my fault, leave me alone.” Now that’s bad taste. He could have also said hey check out my Diane Sawyer interview and you be the judge, check out my GoFundMe to pay for damage to my car.

      He did none of the above.

    • Belle Epoch says:

      He may have issued a statement anyway, but a lot of people felt he did not look upset enough. He does seem very calm in the pictures but maybe that’s just the way he is.

      I do wish he had remembered the combined weight of his big SUV and the trailer. But no one actually drives with a lot of empty space in front of their car – and if you try, someone cuts in front into the space in front of you and there you go.

  2. QQ says:

    No shade in this one… that is an awful thing to be responsible for

    • Sarah says:

      Sounds like he may not even be responsible. Apparently the Prius driver is being suspected of planning an illegal u turn. Stopped 300 feet back from the stoplight.

      • jane16 says:

        “Suspected” of planning an illegal u turn? Who would know that? I heard she was at the end of a long line of cars at a red light and was slow to move forward. Long lines at red lights are fact of life on PCH, especially on weekends.

        So, look who we have trying to throw the Prius driver, the only one who didn’t hit anyone, under the bus: KMZ, the Kartrash PR machine, and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs-to-the-Stars.

        I don’t doubt that Bruce feels terrible, as I remarked yesterday that he is only one of that hideous clan who seems to be a nice person. However, when you are speeding along PCH, you need to be prepared to stop suddenly. There are always people and animals crossing that wide road unexpectedly, and there are lots of accidents on it. I don’t think we should assume the Prius driver was at fault until we hear from the Prius driver. I can assure you, the Sheriffs-to-the-Stars do not have psychic powers that enable them to guess what a driver is “planning” to do. And we all know KMZ is completely biased for and regularly promotes the Kartrash.

      • CH2 says:

        Amen jane… seriously… I hate when people feel sorry for someone who might be going through guilt for something. Really? Someone just died… perhaps “feeling guilty” is not the worst fate to befall a person.

      • Jax says:

        Actually, sometimes the police CAN determine what a driver might be planning. If she was stopped and her wheels were turned to the left for a turn then the skid marks from the crash would show that.

  3. EC says:

    Bruce always seems so loving with his children. I am sure this is incredibly upsetting for him – and, of course, for the victim’s family. Prayers for them and everyone affected.

    • Bridget says:

      The second part of your statement I totally agree with. The first part… the Jenner boys aren’t particularly flattering when they talk about how Bruce was pretty much gone for a huge part of their lives once he got together with Kris. They’ve only reconnected as adults.

      • Dawn says:

        His daughter said that last Christmas he showed up with presents for her and his grandchildren and he never did that while married to Kris. He ignored them so I don’t think Bruce is such a loving father to any of his children. I mean come on the man is ignoring the fact that his seventeen year old daughter is with 26 year old man who has his own kid. Most fathers would take that Tyga dude and let him know to move on from a minor to a more age appropriate woman. Bruce ignores it all. So yep, he is not father of the year material.

      • Bridget says:

        It seemed weird to me that if you look at their old Christmas cards (Buzzfeed once had a gallery and I was bored) they at one point included the Jenner kids and then stopped. I couldn’t imagine my family doing that to any of my stepsiblings.

      • EC says:

        You are totally right – I completely forgot about the fact that he was absent a lot when he and Kris got together and they had the Jenner girls. (I think maybe that was mentioned on the show and that I *may* have watched on the treadmill one time, but I digress). I just notice that these days he seems quite close and loving to his older sons. I just think he really enjoys sports/golf with his sons and it seems that they have a good relationship. I’m glad they reconnected.

        BUT YES Kylie is a lost cause. The ball was dropped there for sure.

  4. Loopy says:

    Its a terrible thing to have to live with, would not wish it on my worst enemy.

  5. Talie says:

    Everyone was frothing at the mouth with Bruce yesterday, but I knew there is always more to stories like this.

    • Gea says:

      Yes, it must be more to this story, his story, his family story…and things go on and on.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      I know. People are so anxious to crucify others before they know the facts.

      • I Choose Me says:

        True. When something so tragic happens it’s important not to rush to judgment until all the facts are in. .

      • jane16 says:

        The Prius drive “planning to make an illegal u turn” is not a fact, it is a theory put up by KMZ, the Kartrash PR machine, and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs-to-the-Stars.

        Let’s not join KMZ in crucifying the Prius driver, the only who didn’t hit anyone, before we know what all the witnesses have to say.

      • girlnbayou says:

        I actually proposed smoking as a theory the last time this was posted. I thought it was too coincidental that his window was cracked, his left hand by it. He is a known smoker. Unless he is a south paw I can’t see where it would be very efficient using his left hand to text.

        I find it very suspect tho that the paps didn’t release this informative image from the very beginning. Probably because they knew that the others were more sensational.

    • Kiddo says:

      I still stand by what I wrote yesterday in that heavy vehicles need to exercise more care and keep greater distance. If the Prius hadn’t stopped to make an illegal u-turn but had to stop because a kid ran in the street, then laying back a few car-lengths can be a difference. And it may have made a difference in spite of the illegal u-turn. I’m not sure that you were referring to my comment or some others. At any rate, I’m sure he feels horrible about the entire ordeal, as does everyone else.

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        I was referring to people who claimed he was texting.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        I also have to point out that TMZ is not always factual with their reporting. They are saying they “think she might have” and “possibly” was doing an illegal U-turn. That is very different than saying the Prius was doing these things.

        I agree, Kiddo. If you give enough of a buffer room between you and the car in front, then it makes things much safer.

      • Kiddo says:

        Sorry GNAT I was responding to the frothing at the mouth quote, and not yours. (My frothing of the mouth aside in normal circumstances)

      • Kiddo says:

        Tiffany, This is why on highways or two lane roads, IF AT ALL possible, I try never to be in front of some huge vehicle, truck or semi. I was at a full stop once, to enter a highway, and an old woman hit me from behind, with NO BRAKES whatsoever.
        Luckily I wasn’t thrust into oncoming traffic because she wasn’t in a big rig or SUV.
        Funny thing, I get out and say, “Didn’t you see me stopped?” She didn’t even answer that, but DENIED actually hitting me at all, even though I pointed out a dent. I was late for something, so I HAD to leave, but damn, my neck hurt all day.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        That is scary, Kiddo! I can’t believe she denied hitting you. Crazytown.

        I agree, I try to stay out of the path of large vehicles if possible. One of my friends had to put together a court presentation about semis and how long it takes them to stop, and it scared the bejeezus out of me.

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        Wow, Kiddo, glad you weren’t hurt. I also think there should be stricter laws regarding driving and age. Not to be mean, but there are lots of people driving who shouldn’t be. For example, someone who doesn’t even realize she hit another car.

      • Tiffany :) says:

        I completely agree, GNAT. Plus, it would take away the responsibility from the caregivers (many times adult children) who are otherwise responsible for getting the elderly to stop driving. People should be regularly tested after a certain age.

      • Kiddo says:

        GNAT and Tiff, I agree, I had a time sensitive appointment, my car had already been city christened (ding-ified), so I left. But I worried if I would suffer long term pain; which I didn’t. I also worried about how not calling police on her, left her on the road to maybe hurt someone else more than she did me. I definitely had guilt (plus neck pain and a headache, lol). Luckily, she was a slow driver, but even at 20? mph with no braking, and me at a standstill, I did get bumped forward, but not into the highway.

      • Trashaddict says:

        This 1000+ When I listen to the morning traffic reports there are more and more accidents, and not just in bad weather. People texting, people smoking and people just following too damn close behind other vehicles. I’ve been driving 5 mph over the speed limit, NOT in the speed lane, and had cars riding my bumper when there was an open lane beside me. I don’t mind their personal stupidity or death wish or whatever it is, but I do mind if they kill my children in the process. I suspect there is significantly decreased traffic enforcement lately, also that people completely lack reality testing because they are driving like they are playing a video game.

    • Caz says:

      what, the inevitable Kardashian PR spin to gain public favour? Lots of Kardashian minions here posting pro-Bruce statements.

  6. bb says:

    I can’t throw shade for him issuing a statement. He would be damned too if he didn’t express his sympathy to the victim’s family.

  7. Tippy says:

    The lawyers will always go after the person with the most money even if they’re the least culpable.

    Bruce and/or his insurance company will reach a settlement with the Howe family.

  8. Bridget says:

    This is so sad.

    On a superficial, “I’m a terrible person” note, Bruce looks awful in that picture. He’s had so much work done to his face.

  9. Insomniac says:

    Gee, TMZ almost sounds disappointed that Bruce might not be at fault.

  10. The Original G says:

    This sort of situation is so sad for everyone.

    Personally, I think that the gossip social media really jumps the gun with speculation in situations like this.

    It’s also unfortunate that all the completely irrelevant Kardashian baggage may be brought in to make a very difficult situation even uglier.

  11. Rita says:

    I’ve always thought it strange that a pap was parked on the shoulder exactly where the accident occurred and the pap took pictures as it was happening. That makes me wonder if the person in the Prius who was stopped on the road just ahead of the lady who was killed when Bruce ran into her was part of the pap pictures. Did the paps or Tmz pay that person to stop in traffic so they could get a picture of Bruce before everything went so wrong? I hope the police thoroughly look into the person in the Prius.

    • TQB says:

      Yeah, it’s sick but the first thought when a pap-favorite celeb gets in a crash has got to be, was a photographer doing or attempting to do anything that contributed. I certainly hope that isn’t the case, but it wouldn’t be the first time.

  12. boredblond says:

    I really don’t understand this..it doesn’t matter if she was 300 or 3 ft from the intersection..if you’re stopped at a light and someone rear ends you, it’s their fault whether they’re smoking, talking, or singing. Following too close or too fast.

    • Janet says:

      My son was in the middle of a rear-end collision. Somebody rear-ended him, causing him to rear-end the car in front of him. Both his car and the car in front of him had stopped for a red light. No fatalities or injuries, but the whole incident was very scary.

    • Ashley says:

      The person allegedly making the illegal turn (1st car) was a different car from the one who died(2nd car), and Bruce was 3rd car in possible chain reaction. So while he may have been to close it makes it harder to place full blame on him because the first car started the chain of events. I don’t know.. both cars trying to come to a sudden stop because of action of one is diff than hitting someone who is at a stand still. Either way a sad situation.

      • RobN says:

        Good recap. Lots of people seem to misunderstand the fact that there was a 1st car who may have started the chain of events and just think that Jenner rear ended somebody who ended up dead.

    • Dr.Funkenstein says:

      True dat. I’ve been there, many a close call, but no matter why somebody decides to do something in front of you, you have an obligation to be far enough back to stop safely if you have to. I know I drive too close a lot of the time and I suspect I’m not alone. Just a good reminder of what can happen. Very sorry for everyone involved.

    • Tiffany :) says:

      This is a very busy section of highway, with people making turns, looking for parking, running across the highway, changing out of wetsuits at the side of the road.

      I was actually driving in this exact spot the week before, and it is one of those areas were you take a deep breath, slow down, and scan left to right constantly to make sure someone isn’t going to dart out in front of your car. They also have a “check your speed” radar sign that is supposed to get people to slow down.

      People CAN go the speed limit in this area, but it is really unwise. Tourists wouldn’t understand that of course, but I would think Bruce would have left a big buffer zone especially since he was hauling a trailer and vehicle.

  13. Sam says:

    I’m not sure what else Bruce could do other than statement and to cooperate with the cops. He volunteered for a sobriety test at the scene, too. At this point, all anyone can do it to let the cops do their jobs and try to piece the situation together. Let that happen then make judgments.

  14. original kay says:

    wait, what?

    the person who hit the car that caused it to veer into traffic, thus killing the driver, is absolutely responsible for the death. It matter not that she rear ended a car first, it was the car BEHIND her that caused her death. Had she not been hit, it would have ended with her rear ending the car in front her.

    I don’t see how anyone can view this situation otherwise. He is absolutely to blame for her death, he hit her car and caused it to veer into traffic, thus killing her. Texting, smoking, following to closely, whatever the reason, the fact remains he was not in care and control of his vehicle and she died.

    Nice of him to issue a statement, thus making it all about HIM.

    The poor family of this woman. My heart goes to them.

    • Sry says:

      If his actions where influence by those of another it’s not so black and white. No one is not without responsibility but he is probably not criminally responsible. Let all the facts come out and not be so quick to judge that’s why there is an investigation.

    • TQB says:

      When you say “absolutely responsible,” you don’t mean “legally responsible,” right? Because none of what you said is actually correct.

    • Kim1 says:

      So what do you think should happen to him? A ticket for failure to control his vehicle? Should he be charged with vehicular homicide? Manslaughter? Just curious?
      Bruce will be sued by her family most likely.It’s a sad situation but unless he was texting or under the influence he will not go to jail IMO

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      I guess you’ve never been in an accident. Or made a mistake. Or had one second to react to something that takes five seconds to react to. I guess you follow exactly two car lengths behind another car every time you go out anywhere, in every traffic situation. Because that would make you the only person in the universe who does, and would be the only excuse for your being so judgmental. Sometimes you can be following the rules and still be in an accident. It is not illegal to smoke and drive – maybe it should be, but it isn’t. Why are you so anxious to blame him for her death? That’s an awful accusation to make against someone who had no intention of hurting anyone.

      • original kay says:

        But he wasn’t following the rules. If he was, she’d be alive.

        She’d still be at fault for her part of the accident, but she wouldn’t be dead.

        and yes, accidents happen. failure to be in care and control of your vehicle isn’t an accident, it’s a choice.

        **smiles**

      • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

        I hope when your day comes, people have more compassion for you than you do for other people. And pretending to *smile* when you’re being cruel makes you look even more unbalanced. Just a tip.

    • maeliz says:

      @original kay, were you there to see what happened? When the car in front of you stops suddenly, you don’t have much time to react even if you’re 2 car lengths apart. I don’t know where you live, but if you drive 2 car lengths apart here, someone will cut in front of you. I’m not a smoker, but I see plenty while driving because it’s not against the law.
      If he hadn’t made a statement, people would put him down for not.
      The facts are starting to be told, and it looks like Bruce didn’t cause the accident. Before you blame someone for such a tragic death, wait for the facts, not TMZ stories

      • original kay says:

        He didn’t cause the accident.

        He did cause her death. I think I succinctly made my point, that had he not hit her car, she’d be alive. If more truth comes out the change that, I will admit I am wrong, of course. I’ve been wrong before.

    • CH2 says:

      Yup… agreed. I’ve been in a few fender benders myself. If you rear – end someone (aside from a few exceptions, none of which apply here), that’s YOUR fault. That’s why they tell you about the “3 second rule” when you take a written test. This is why I hate tailgaiters and I NEVER tailgate myself. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. Actually, I really hate most drivers. As soon as people get in their cars, they turn into absolute selfish a-holes. I’m constantly wishing an end to the human race when I’m driving. But yeah, it’s absolutely his fault according to the law… I’m not sure why people are being so dense.

  15. Wren33 says:

    Ideally, we should all be driving with enough space in front of us to stop, even if the car in front stops suddenly and unexpectedly. But, I know in reality that no one does this in big cities because someone will always jump in front of you anyway. So, while Bruce may bear some responsibility, I am not going to call for his head if it in fact happened this way. Just use this as a reminder that everyone needs to be driving more carefully.

    • Angie says:

      That’s how I feel too. I know VERY few people who really follow the “2 car lengths” rule so I just can’t judge. Most of us could have ended up in that situation and that’s scary to contemplate. If nothing else i hope this inspires people to be even MORE careful when driving.

  16. paola says:

    Such a tragedy. And also ironic that out of the Kardashian-Jenner bunch he was the one involved in this tragic accident instead one of those vapid girls which I’m sure spend their time checking their face in the rear mirror, sing along with loud music and take selfies while driving.
    I’m very sorry this happened and especially that happened to Bruce.

    • jane16 says:

      I have seen those vapid girls (great description) many times, driving their big black suvs and texting, looking in the mirror, laughing hysterically, anything but paying attention to the road. They are a menace to society. Oh, and once while driving on the 101 Fwy, that douche Disick came within a whisper of bashing into us while lane hopping at high speeds. He was driving a new Maserati (I think) and his freeway driving stunt was actually on the news that night.

    • Giggles says:

      I think it’s disgusting his vapid kids chose to abandon him when this accident occurred. Instead they all went out to parties and took selfies. Wouldn’t Most normal loving families rally together at a time like that?

  17. melissa says:

    My money is on the Prius being at fault. People who can’t drive seem to be drawn to owning Priuses and PT Cruisers. Of course, that’s just anecdotal evidence in my little bubble.

  18. girlnbayou says:

    A few weeks ago we were traveling on the interstate through new orleans at 4 am on our way to a family vacation, as we were coming down from the top of a small bridge, a car was stopped IN THE ROAD with a blown tire and the people were out looking at the tire. Had there been more traffic on the road, I absolutely would have run into them. Instead of pulling off onto the shoulder they parked at the bottom of a 70 mph bridge. Luckily I was able to swerve and miss them. I was umpteen cars behind them and due to their foolishness I could have killed them and us.

  19. aquarius64 says:

    This accident is now in the hands of L.A. district attorney. Bruce has lawyered up. Bruce’s Escalade has a “black box” that gives data that car crash experts will use to see who’s at fault. All 4 cars have been turned over too.

  20. Flower says:

    It really doesn’t matter what his lawyer says, if he ran into the back of another car he is liable because he was either not paying attention, driving too close to the other vehicle to stop in time or traveling too fast for the road conditions.