Harrison Ford , the actor who brought to life Han Solo in the original Star Wars trilogy, is “battered but ok,” according to his son, Ben.
To the relief of millions of fans of the intergalactic franchise and the 72-year-old actor in particular, the confirmation that the star is doing better than had been previously reported is welcome news. After conflicting reports stating that Ford was in critical condition, his son has put the worried fans at ease.
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
Harrison Ford radioed the control tower shortly after take-off and was granted permission to return to the Santa Monica airport, but could not make it and crash-landed his plane on a nearby golf course. According to several news reports, eyewitnesses who were enjoying a round of golf in the beautiful California afternoon rushed to help.
Reports also indicate Harrison Ford — who will reprise the role that launched his career into stardom in 1977, when Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes to theaters this December 18 — was the only occupant of the aircraft. Despite news saying that Ford was seriously injured, conflicting reports indicated the actor’s condition was not as bad.
At this time, Harrison Ford is in a local hospital being treated for a gash on his head, but apparently doing well. Ford’s son confirms news shared earlier by authorities during a press conference at the golf course where his plane crashed.
“I can report he left the scene conscious and breathing,” the Fire Department chief stated.
At approximately 2:20 in the afternoon, a Ryan vintage aircraft taking off from Santa Monica airport experienced problems, and the pilot returned to the airport. However, he clipped the top of a tree and came to rest on a Venice, California, golf course, a National Transportation Safety Board official stated later on Thursday. The official said they expect the actor, who was not identified by name, will survive this accident.
Harrison Ford is known as an excellent pilot and was clearly using all his skills to avoid crashing his plane into any of the many homes surrounding the airport. TMZ reported this is the third accident the veteran actor has been involved in. Listen to the audio of the emergency call to the controllers.
The Force was with Harrison Ford on Thursday afternoon, and his fans are breathing a big sigh of relief after a big scare.
[Photo via Getty Images]
