Former 'Baywatch' Star David Charvet Denies Fleeing Scene After Dog Fatality in Malibu
Former 'Baywatch' actor David Charvet is firmly denying allegations that he fled the scene after his vehicle struck and killed a dog in Malibu, California. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours, has sparked conflicting accounts between the dog's owner and Charvet's representative, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Conflicting Accounts of the Early Morning Incident
According to dog owner Vera Errico, she was walking her three dogs on leashes around 6 a.m. on Thursday in a gated community in Malibu when Charvet drove by in a pickup truck. Errico claims that Charvet hit one of the dogs, an 11-year-old white English Labrador named Sunday, and continued driving out of the community without stopping. The dog had to be euthanized due to the injuries sustained in the collision.
Errico and her husband subsequently filed a report with the L.A. County Sheriff's Office, alleging both a traffic collision and a hit-and-run. However, Charvet's version of events paints a different picture of the incident.
Charvet's Version of Events and Response
David Charvet, through his representative, insists that the dogs were not on leashes as the owner claims. His representative told People magazine that at approximately 5:30 a.m., while driving through his neighborhood in low-light conditions, Charvet encountered a neighbor walking three dogs off-leash in the middle of the street.
"He slowed his vehicle and moved to the side to pass safely. As he did so, one of the dogs moved under the vehicle," the representative detailed. "He immediately stopped, called 911, and remained at the scene until authorities arrived. He fully cooperated with the investigation and made himself available for any further help."
The representative emphasized that Charvet is an animal lover and responsible dog owner who would never intentionally harm an animal, adding that his thoughts are with the family who lost their dog.
Legal Outcome and Charvet's Background
According to TMZ, Charvet has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with the incident. A law enforcement source told the outlet that authorities do not consider the incident a hit-and-run since the actor called police after it happened and remained at the scene.
David Charvet, now 53 years old, rose to fame playing Matt Brody on 'Baywatch' from 1992 to 1996 and later appeared on 'Melrose Place' from 1996 to 1998. After his acting career, he pursued music in France, releasing three albums. He dated Pamela Anderson from 1992 to 1994 after meeting on the 'Baywatch' set.
Charvet, who shares two children with ex-wife Brooke Burke, has since transitioned out of the entertainment industry. Since 2008, he has been building luxury homes in the Los Angeles area through his company, Jones Builders Group.
The incident highlights the challenges of early morning visibility in residential areas and the importance of pet safety measures, while also bringing renewed attention to the former television star's life beyond the spotlight.
