Frank Ryan, Plastic Surgeon, Dies: What Really Caused Crash of Heidi Montag Doc?

(CBS) Dr. Frank Ryan, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who gained notoriety for performing 10 procedures at once on TV star Heidi Montag, was killed Monday in a car crash.

Ryan's Jeep Wrangler veered off of the Pacific Coast Highway and landed on the rocks below, CBS News reported.

The 50-year-old doctor was tweeting that his border collie was enjoying the view before the fatal accident, according to the New York Daily News. Ryan's dog - reportedly unrestrained - was thrown from the car but survived.

Investigators have not yet formally determined the cause of the accident, but have confirmed that Ryan had been texting. 

Experts say both activities - texting while driving and driving with an unrestrained pet - can contribute to car accidents.

But only 17 percent of those who drive with pets said they use a pet restraint system. This causes a distraction, says the AAA, equal to talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

 "Early Show" correspondent and resident Veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell says people who drive with pets should always keep them in an enclosed area of the car.