Anne Heche Dead At 53: Actress 'Legally Dead' After Family Announced Low Chance of Survival
Anne Heche, the actress who got involved in a fiery car crash a week ago, died after announcing her brain dead.
A representative for Heche released a statement to several news outlets, including PEOPLE and CNN, saying that she passed away at the age of 53. It described Heche as a "bright light" who became a loving mother to her children and loyal friend to everyone.
"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," it said.
Her family, however, clarified that Heche is legally dead according to California law after her doctors announced that she is already brain dead.
Despite the death announcement, it is also confirmed that her heart remains beating as she has not been taken off life support yet to determine whether she is a match for organ donation through OneLegacy Foundation.
Anne Heche Unlikely To Survive Injuries
The news about her legal death did not come as a shock as the announcement was released only hours after her friends and family said that she was not expected to survive.
As quoted by Vanity Fair, Heche's loved ones said she is unlikely to survive her car crash due to "a severe anoxic brain injury" and falling into a coma.
According to Headway The Brain Injury Association, severe anoxia can result in coma. The brain's nerve cells become sensitive to a lack of oxygen due to high demand for energy.
While preparing for the worst, Heche's family and friends thanked the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and fans for their help and prayers despite the devastating 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. It has long been her choice to donate her organs, and she is being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," the initial statement read.
Heche faced the tragic fate after getting involved in a fiery car crash last week. After running off the road uncontrollably, it hit a residence that caused the whole vehicle to be engulfed in flames.
It took the responders over an hour to get her out of the car.
