Richard hurt in car crash

CAVITE, Philippines – Actor Richard Gutierrez was hurt while one of his companions was killed when their car slammed into an electric post in Silang town before dawn yesterday.

Superintendent Danilo Buentipo, Silang police chief, said Richard, 25, his bodyguard Nomar Pardo and assistant George Mascora were on board a Nissan Skyline GTR sports car and were traversing the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road in Barangay Putting Kahoy when they figured in an accident around 1:20 a.m.

Buentipo said Pardo died while being treated at Adventist University of the Philippines Hospital due to massive body injuries, while Richard and Mascora were rushed to the Ospital ng Tagaytay and were later transferred to Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa for treatment of minor injuries.

Initial investigation revealed that Richard’s group was bound for Manila from Tagaytay and were negotiating a curve when the actor lost control of the wheel. The car hit a Meralco post then fell into a 10-feet deep ravine.

He was on his way home from a film shooting when the accident occurred.

Richard, son of showbiz couple Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, is now in stable condition.

Annabelle told reporters waiting in the hospital that her son had more than 10 stitches near his left eyebrow.

The young actor’s face sustained wounds caused by glass shards that his attending doctor had to remove during the operation.

In a separate interview with abs-cbnnews.com, Annabelle said it was a miracle that saved the life of her son.

“It’s a miracle that he survived. This is his second life. Maybe because of our family’s prayers. At least he is already conscious so I’m okay now,” she said, adding that Richard himself prays a lot.

While still in shock over what happened, Annabelle is with her family at the hospital, looking after Richard.

She extended her gratitude to all who prayed and showed support for her son.

Meantime, Richard’s sister, actress and beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez, said in a text message that the airbag of Richard’s vehicle saved his life.

According to her, Richard still needs a cornea operation because some glass splinters pierced his eye.

Richard started his acting career with his twin brother Raymond before he joined his first television show “Click,” where he was paired with Chynna Ortaleza.

His career soared when he starred in the fantasy series “Mulawin” with Angel Locsin, now a contract star of ABS-CBN.

Just recently, Richard was involved in a controversy when he filed a libel suit against an online entertainment site which published an article alleging that the actor was involved in a gun-toting incident with actor Michael Flores.

Richard currently stars in a local version of “Zorro.” -With Rhodina Villanueva, Cecille Suerte Felipe