Driver recklessness caused crash injuring Kevin Hart, police say

A man driving Kevin Hart’s vintage muscle car accelerated recklessly on a Southern California highway, causing the accident that left the comedian, driver and another passenger seriously injured, investigators said in a report released Thursday.

Jared Black was turning onto Mulholland Highway near Malibu early on Sept. 1 when he accelerated and lost control while driving the comic actor’s 1970 Plymouth Barracuda with Hart and Black’s fiancee, Rebecca Broxterman, as passengers, the report from the California Highway Patrol said.

The car then careened down an embankment and slammed into a tree, the report said. Evidence from an examination of the Plymouth suggested no one had been wearing seat belts.

“I have nothing but love for Jared and wish him and Rebecca a speedy recovery,” Hart said in a statement released through his attorney later Thursday.

Authorities previously said that Hart, 40, and Black, 28, suffered major back injuries while Broxterman, 31, had less serious injuries.

Hart’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the actor is doing OK, still recovering from his injuries and doing physical therapy at home. Hart is limiting his professional commitments but expects to be back at work by the beginning of next year, Brettler said.

The report reiterated that Black was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It said he violated the law, but did not say whether charges were likely.

The CHP redacted the statements given to investigators by the three people involved, along with all details about their injuries.

Neither Black nor Broxterman could be reached for comment. It was not clear whether either had an attorney or other representative who could speak for them.

No other cars were involved in the crash.

Chris Pizzello / Associated Press Authorities say an accident that left Kevin Hart seriously injured was caused by the man driving Hart’s vintage car, who accelerated recklessly on a highway.