"It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," the rep shared.
Anne Heche, who was involved in a serious car crash days ago, is not expected to survive as the accident left her with severe brain damage.
"Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition," the rep says in a statement on behalf of Heche's family, according to PEOPLE. "She is not expected to survive."
However, when she passes, her organs will be considered for a donation, hinted the rep. "It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," the rep shared.
The statement then expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided to Heche, 53, in the wake of the tragic car accident on August 5, 2022.
Heche never regained consciousness ever since she crashed her car into a house in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. She has been intubated ever since. "She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention," a rep for the actress told PEOPLE on August 8, 2022. "She is in a coma and has not regained consciousness since shortly after the accident."
On the day of the accident, Heche's car—a blue Mini Cooper—crashed into a home rented by Lynne Mishele. Due to the impact of the crash, the home caught on fire, and Heche, who was stuck inside the car, suffered from burns. The Emmy winner had to be intubated once she was taken to the hospital.
A witness told TMZ that the second crash took place after she crashed into a garage of an apartment complex first. She reportedly managed to reverse and drive off before crashing into Mishele's home. Unfortunately, the accident was too severe.
"We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne's recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital," the recent statement by Anne's rep continues.
As for her legacy, "Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit," says the rep on behalf of the family. "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. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light."
References:
https://people.com/tv/anne-heche-suffered-severe-brain-injury-not-expected-to-survive-rep
https://people.com/tv/anne-heche-in-coma-hasnt-regained-consciousness-after-crash/
https://www.tmz.com/2022/08/05/anne-heche-crashes-car-home-burned-fire/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jesse Grant
