Napoleon Dynamite (John Heder) died in a car wreck.

John Heder, lead role in Napoleon Dynamite, died of head injuries after undergoing a highway car accident two days ago. He was riding in the passenger seat on his way to Salem, Oregon with his friend Mike McHill when the driver supposedly saw a deer run in front of the car. Mike overcorrected and drove off a steep ten foot embankment after rolling three or four times.

John was leaving from the wrap party for the film Moving McAllister, a comedy starring Mila Kunis. Heder was said to have been heading to his home town to take a break after the movie was filmed. Sadly, for this Mormon, his plans were cut short when Bambi streaked in front of their car.

The '01 Pontiac Sunfire was laying upside down in a ditch when the EMTs arrived on the scene. There were open alcoholic beverages found in the back seat but nobody knows which of the two boys were intoxicated. Mike, the driver, was life-flighted to Boise Hospital for treatment of multiple fractures and possible brain injury.

There are possible legal allegations being to be put on McHill, especially if he is found to have alcohol in his blood. Not only is he in a lot of trouble when he comes out, but everyone hates him for being responsible for killing Napoleon Dynamite, the world's newest hero. The tragedy hasn't hit the media yet because Heder's parents wish to keep it undisclosed for as long as possible. Margret, his mother, states, "...at least until after the funeral because we don't want a thousand strange Dynamite-crazed fans crying over our shoulders."

It really is a shame how Jon Heder finally hits the American dream and strikes it rich, only to die of a stupid death a few months later. Maybe Napoleon should have stuck to a Sledgehammer bicycle. Oh well.

(Source: Wade Z. from Zimm News of Salem, Oregon)

Last updated February 14th, 2005