Anne Heche Is “Not Expected to Survive” Tragic Car Accident

Anne Heche’s friends and family have provided an update on her condition, sharing that the Men in Trees star is “not expected to survive” her tragic car accident after suffering “a severe anoxic brain injury” and falling into a coma.

In a statement to Deadline, Heche’s family and friends thanked “the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital,” as well as the public “for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne’s recovery,” before sharing the grim development. 

“Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive,” read the statement. “It has long been her choice to donate her organs, and she is being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.”

On August 5, Heche crashed her car into a residence in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, setting both her car and the home on fire. Per the Los Angeles Fire Department, Heche’s vehicle was traveling at a high speed and “burst into flames and came to rest 30 feet inside the two-story home.” It took 59 firefighters more than an hour to subdue the blaze and rescue Heche, who was able to communicate at the time of her rescue but slipped into a coma shortly after. According to the statement, she has yet to regain consciousness.

The update on Heche’s condition comes after news that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating the incident as a felony DUI traffic collision. Prior to the accident, Heche was caught on camera driving erratically and speeding; she also got into a minor car accident blocks away from the crash site. “Based on the blood work, it revealed the presence of narcotics,” LAPD officer Lizeth Lomeli told Deadline on Wednesday.

Her family and friends’ statement continued: “Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit. More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work—especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”