Beloved actress and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Anne Heche has sadly passed away at 53 years old. On 5 August, the Men in Tress actor was involved in a devastating car crash in Los Angeles – which left her with severe burns and a “significant pulmonary injury”, as reported by the LA Times.
After a week of being in a coma, a rep for the Emmy winner revealed that there was no chance of her gaining consciousness. “Unfortunatly due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” the rep told People on 11 August. “She is not expected to survive.
It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she’s being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.” On 12 August, Heche was considered legally dead under California law, even though the actress is still on life support due to the organ donation process. “Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” her family said 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.” Since her tragic passing, heartfelt tributes from Heche’s fans and industry peers flooded social media.