'We have lost a bright light': Hollywood actress Anne Heche dies aged 53 after LA car crash
12 August 2022, 18:53 | Updated: 12 August 2022, 22:34
US actress Anne Heche has been declared dead aged 53 following a horror car crash.
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Her death was confirmed by her rep as well as being announced by friend Nancy Davis on Instagram.
The Donnie Brasco and Volcano star was said to have suffered a "severe anoxic brain injury" after a collision near her home in Los Angeles a week ago.
She had been hospitalised at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital following the incident.
Heche is "brain dead" and under California law that is the definition of death, her rep told TMZ.
They added that life support machines are keeping her heart beating for the purpose of preserving her organs for donations.
"We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," the family rep said.
"Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy.
"Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."
Heche's son, Homer, 20, said he hoped she was "free from pain" in a touching tribute.
"My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom," he told People in a statement.
"After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness.
"Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom."
He went on to thank well-wishers for their support over the week, saying: "Thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me.
"I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time."
He added: "Rest In Peace Mom, I love you."
The actress' friend, Nancy Davis, paid tribute to her on Instagram.
She said: "Heaven has a new Angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing and beautiful friend @anneheche went to heaven.
"I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared.
"Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me."
Archive shots show Anne Heche as family reveals she's 'not expected' to survive crash injuries
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) previously confirmed the crash was being investigated as a felony, after preliminary blood tests revealed the presence of drugs in the star's system.
A spokesman added that additional testing was required to rule out any substances that were administered in the hospital.
Pictures and video footage obtained by TMZ showed Heche driving a blue Mini Cooper, which was later pictured severely damaged at the scene.
59 firefighters took 65 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish the stubborn flames within the heavily damaged structure, according to an LAFD report.
Heche sustained a "significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation" and "burns that require surgical intervention", a spokeswoman for the actress previously confirmed.
Heche, who previously dated talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, was known for her roles in Cedar Rapids, Six Days, Seven Nights and the 1998 Psycho remake.
She had several upcoming projects in the works, including HBO series The Idol and action film Supercell which are still due to come out in the next few years.
Her successful career saw her win a Daytime Emmy for her role in soap Another World while also being nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her work in TV film Gracie's Choice.
The star also appeared in Twentieth Century on Broadway, earning her a Tony nomination.
More recently, she was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, taking to the dance floor during the first year of the pandemic.
Upon learning that Heche was not expected to survive, Ellen tweeted: "This is a sad day. I'm sending Anne's children, family and friends all of my love."
