Actor Matthew Broderick has been forgiven by the family of the mother and daughter he accidentally killed in a car crash. 28-year-old Anna Gallagher and her 63-year-old mother, Margret Doherty, were killed on 5th August, 1987, when Broderick's car collided head-on into theirs.

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The accident took place after the filming of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', when Broderick and co-star Jennifer Grey were secretly dating. While on holiday in Northern Ireland, Broderick crossed into the wrong lane, killing the drivers of the other car instantly. Broderick and Grey both survived, with Grey only suffering minor injuries and Broderick ending up in hospital for several weeks.

After pleading guilty to charges of careless driving, the young actor was fined just 150 USD. The son of Margret Doherty and brother of Anna Gallagher, Martin Doherty, protested the decision, yet he has now stated that he wants to meet the star in order to put the tragic incident behind them for good.He explained his decision, saying: "For many years after the accident, I was bitter. But I'm older now. Many years have passed and in truth, I'd be delighted to meet Matthew. I think it is something that needs to be done for both our sakes - a way to lay old ghosts to rest. It would help both of us."

Doherty continued to say: "In the beginning, I was very angry. Did Matthew get off lightly because of who he was? In the end, he got the same punishment he would have got if he had run over cattle. For almost nine years I would shy away from watching any of his movies. I wouldn't look at a news article if he was in it. I just couldn't face it."

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He added a final comment: "You can't replace a mother or sister, but I know for certain they would not want any bitterness. I can understand why Matthew hasn't been in contact. He seems to accept he was in the wrong and probably wondered if he would be ripped apart. I want Matthew to know I forgive him. I believe we need to talk about things - we owe each other that." Broderick is planning to visit Ireland in summer 2003, and plans to make a personal apology.