celebrity

"We have lost a bright light." Anne Heche has died, aged 53, a week after her car crash.

Anne Heche has died a week after she was critically injured in a car crash. She was 53 years old.

The news was confirmed by a representative of the American actor's family on Friday.

"We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," the rep told TMZ in a statement.

"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."

The rep previously confirmed Heche was "brain dead" and under California law that is the definition of death. She had been kept on life support to see whether her organs could be donated.

"It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," her rep told PEOPLE.

Heche had been rushed to hospital in critical condition and never regained consciousness. It's reported that she suffered a severe anoxic brain injury, which is caused by caused by a complete lack of oxygen to the brain.

Heche’s eldest son, Homer, 20, has since released a statement on behalf of himself and his half-brother, Atlas, 13.

"My brother Atlas and I lost our mum," he told PEOPLE on Friday. 

"After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully my mum is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom."

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He added: "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 Mum, I love you."

Read: Anne Heche dated Ellen DeGeneres for 3 years. Anne said her career never recovered.

Anne Heche and her son Homer in 2021. Image: Getty.

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On August 5, reports emerged that the Emmy Award-winning actor had been taken to hospital and was in critical condition after the vehicle she was driving plunged into the side of a house and caught fire.

The news was first reported by TMZ, and confirmed by Deadline quickly after.

"The vehicle was heading east on Preston Way at a high rate of speed, entered the T intersection at Preston Way and Walgrove Ave, ran off the road and collided with the residence in the 1700 block of Walgrove," a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson informed the publication.

"The vehicle became engulfed in flames and the driver was transported to a local hospital by LAFD."

The 53-year-old was inside a blue Mini Cooper, in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles.

News footage recording from above showed that the vehicle may have hit the side wall of the house. A clip showed firefighters using cables from a massive tow truck to pull the car from the collapsing home.

In recent months, Heche had several projects in the works. 

In June, she finished filming Lifetime's Girl in Room 13, which is set to premiere later this year. 

She also has as a recurring role in All Rise, and Sam Levinson and The Weeknd's new show The Idol.

Heche is survived by her two sons, Homer, 20, and Atlas, 13.

Feature image: Getty.