A representative for Anne Heche told Variety on Friday that although she has been officially pronounced dead in the state of California, her heart is still beating and she has not yet been removed off life support. Heche will remain on life support while her eligibility for organ donation is evaluated. She might be released as early as this coming Saturday or as late as this coming Tuesday.
Her family and friends released a statement in which they described her as "a bright light, a kind and most joyous person, a loving mother, and a faithful friend." "Anne will be sorely missed, but her gorgeous sons, legendary body of work, and ardent advocacy ensure that she will never be forgotten. Her courage in always speaking the truth and sharing her message of acceptance and love will have an everlasting effect.
In a statement, Heche's son Homer Laffoon said, "My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom." After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. 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.”
Heche's agent declared on Thursday night that the actor was "not expected to survive" following a catastrophic brain injury sustained in a car accident on August 5.
The representative issued a statement saying,
“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 rep said in a statement. “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive.”
Heche was seriously burned when her automobile collided with a home last Friday in the Mar Vista district of Los Angeles. Her representatives stated that she was in "very critical condition" on Monday. Narcotics were discovered in her circulation, prompting the LAPD to look into whether she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision.
But LAPD spokesperson Matthew Cruz announced on Friday that the inquiry will come to an end. "As of today, no further investigative attempts will be made in this case," Cruz said. Prior to this turn of events, any information or records that were requested would still be gathered when they come in as a formality and included to the overall case. We don't present for file consideration when someone accused of committing a crime passes away.
Since it "has long been her decision to give her organs," Heche is still being kept alive while the viability of each organ is being assessed by the medical team.
The statement said, “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. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”
Heche is most known for her roles in the movies "Donnie Brasco," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," and "Six Days Seven Nights," all of which were released in 1997. Her television credits include "Ally McBeal" on Fox, "Everwood" on the WB Network, "Men in Trees" on ABC, and "The Michael J. Fox Show" on NBC.
