Haywood's most famous mountain man dies in double-fatality car accident

His girlfriend, Bertha Brooks, 78, was also killed in the crash, as were constant companions — “Cowgirl,” his pet squirrel, and “Little Man,” his pet dog.

Coward and Brooks were leaving a doctor's appointment at Midway Medical Center in Clyde around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Coward, driving a Nissan Versa, pulled out in front of a Ford F-150 truck as he exited the parking lot.

N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Owens confirmed that both Coward and Brooks, as well as Coward’s pets were killed in the accident. Coward and Brooks had to be cut from the vehicle, Owens said.

"Our thoughts are with the families. Midway is grateful for the quick response from emergency personnel," a press release from Midway Medical Center read.

The 16-year-old driver of the other vehicle was transported to Haywood Regional Medical Center out of an abundance of caution, said Owens.

The driver of the F-150 was not at fault according to Owens.

“We don’t have any reason to believe that the other driver was speeding," he said.

He also said that witnesses on the scene confirmed that the other driver had not been speeding.

Traffic heading from Canton to Clyde was rerouted, as both westbound lanes of Carolina Boulevard were closed. The road was cleared and traffic resumed by 4:50 p.m.

Local businesses are reportedly concerned with traffic safety in the area, according to the Midway Medical Center press release.

"Midway contacted the NC Traffic Engineers office in Sylva. The Engineers office readily agreed to review the intersection," the release stated.

Coward landed a role in "Deliverance" based on a personal recommendation from Burt Reynolds. Reynolds became acquainted with Haywood’s authentic mountain man when spending time at Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park in Maggie Valley.

In a 2014 interview with The Mountaineer, Coward said Reynolds advised him to “act real mean.” 
Coward followed those instructions to a T during the audition role call.

“When I met the director, he said he was glad I dressed for the part, so I yelled at him and told him I was wearing my regular clothes and shoved him against the wall real mean,” Coward said at the time.

That one bold act landed him the part.

For years thereafter, fans would ask him to repeat his most memorable line in the movie, something he was happy to do. He’d get into character and say it just as he did for the film: “You’ve got a pretty mouth, boy.”

Coward had plenty of offers to stay in Hollywood after that role, but turned them all down to live in Haywood County with his family, and make a living working at BASF in Enka.

Later on in life, he did play another role as Harmon Teaster in “Ghost Town:The Movie,” which was shot on Buck Mountain at the now closed western theme park by the same name, the place where Coward once worked as a gunfighter.

He also played a starring role in the reality show “Hillbilly Blood,” which aired for several seasons in a show that was ultimately picked up by Discovery.

During his later years, Howard was a familiar figure at many festivals, especially ones that featured mountain heritage. He would be wearing his standard flannel shirt, bib overalls, and hat festooned with bear claws and a rattlesnake hatband with a wild hog tail.

His constant companion was a pet squirrel that he had on a leash — one that had been tamed to act as a proper pet should. Early on, all were named “Angel” and at least seven went by that name.

Coward was devoted to his faith and only missed Sunday services due to ill health. His pet squirrel was in church whenever he was and often slept snugly in his bibs, but sometimes amused the children who couldn’t resist peeking as Angel darted as far as her leash extended.

Memories from those who knew Coward best will be featured in the weekend edition of The Mountaineer.

Reporter Aarik Long contributed to this story.