Actress Anne Heche dies at 53 after car crash

Anne Heche died Friday after being taken off life support following a fiery crash last week in west Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times. She was 53.

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“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness,” Heche’s son, Homer, wrote in statement obtained by the Times. “Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.

“Over those six days, 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. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”

On Thursday night, family members confirmed that Heche had slipped into a coma and that she was in critical condition. She had suffered a severe brain injury and was hospitalized at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital, according to a statement.

“She is not expected to survive,” family members said.

Representatives for the actress’ family and friends told Deadline on Thursday that Heche was being kept on life support to determine whether any of her organs could be donated, as had long been her wish.

“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,” the statement said. “She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”

Police said Heche crashed a vehicle into a home in Los Angeles just before 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. On Thursday, authorities said they were investigating whether Heche was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash, The Associated Press reported.

Friends and loved ones took to social media to remember Heche.

Heche was among the most prominent film stars in Hollywood in the late 1990s, playing opposite actors including Johnny Depp (“Donnie Brasco”) and Harrison Ford (“Six Days, Seven Nights”). In a 2001 memoir, she discussed her lifelong struggles with mental health.

She was in a high-profile relationship with fellow actress Ellen DeGeneres from 1997 to 2000, according to the Advocate. From 2001 to 2009, she was married to camera operator Coleman Laffoon, with whom she had a son. She had another son during a relationship with actor James Tupper, her co-star on the TV series “Men In Trees.”

She recently had recurring roles on the network TV series “Chicago P.D.” and “All Rise,” and in 2020 was a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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