American actress Anne Heche has been officially declared brain dead. Under California law, that means she is legally dead. A spokesperson for her family confirmed this on Friday. Her body is still being kept alive to see if she can be an organ donor. Heche suffered severe brain damage in a car accident last week and has been in a coma ever since. Heche is 53 years old.
By our news editorsHeche’s family confirmed to the British newspaper on Friday The Guardian that Heche had died. “Anne will be remembered for her brave honesty and her light will be missed,” the statement read. The family thanked everyone for the get well wishes and for the good care in the hospital.
Heche was seriously injured last week when her car crashed into a home in Los Angeles. The actress suffered burns all over her body and had to be put on a ventilator immediately. Police said traces of narcotics were found in her blood.
Her situation was previously said to be stable, but on the night from Monday to Tuesday, a spokesperson announced that Heche was in a coma. On Friday it became clear that she would not be able to get out of that either.
The Dutch public has heard little from Heche in recent years. In the nineties she became known for the soap Another World. After that she played in the films Donnie Brasco and series like Ally McBeal and Nip/Tuck. The actress starred in a television series and a movie this year. Heche also became known for her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Heche leaves behind two sons.