**Story updated, with original below**
Actress Anne Heche has died at the age of 53.
Heche was Ellen Degeneres’ first girlfriend in the public eye during the 90s. When she starred in a rom-com, alongside Harrison Ford, critics asked whether an out LGBTQ+ woman “could carry a movie” playing a straight role.
The star was involved in an accident last Friday (August 5), crashing into a into a two-storey home, which resulted in her being taken to hospital and treated for severe burns.
She later slipped into a coma and was in a “critical condition”, with her representatives telling the media only today that she suffered a “severe anoxic brain injury” and was not expected to make it.
Heche leaves behind two sons.
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Friend Nancy Davis wrote on Instagram: “Heaven has a new Angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing and beautiful friend @anneheche went to heaven. I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared.
“Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me … My heart is broken.”
Original story from earlier today (August 12) following an announcement from Heche’s family that she was not expected to make it:
The 53-year-old actress suffered significant burns and lung damage after the crash in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles last week.
“Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury [when the brain is deprived of oxygen] and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” Heche’s reps now said in a statement on behalf of her family.
“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,” per People.
“We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne’s recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses,” they added.
Police said on Friday that preliminary blood tests showed the presence of drugs in her system, but extra testing was needed to rule out any substances given in hospital.
BACKGRID
Heche’s list of film credits include I Know What You Did Last Summer, Volcano and Six Days, Seven Nights, where she starred alongside Harrison Ford, Donnie Brasco, Cedar Rapids and the 1998 Psycho remake.
In 1991 she was nominated for outstanding younger actress in a drama series at the Daytime Emmy Awards for her performance in Another World.
TV credits include appearances in Ally McBeal, Save Me, Aftermath, Hung, Chicago P.D., Men in Trees, and Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom ‘Ellen‘ in 1998.
The two were an item in the late 90s and when DeGeneres was cornered by reporters earlier this week, the former daytime talk show host said, We’re not in touch with each other, so I wouldn’t know.”
DeGeneres confirmed she wants to send her well wishes and said on camera, “I don’t want anyone to be hurt.”
Ellen DeGeneres was spotted out in public for the first time since her ex-girlfriend Anne Heche crashed her car into a home in California. The former talk-show host dated Heche from 1997 to 2000. DeGeneres says they do not talk to each other anymore but wishes her well. pic.twitter.com/kXei3qVIK1
— Inside Edition (@InsideEdition) August 11, 2022
Heche also appeared on reality show Dancing with the Stars in 2020.
LAPD spokesman Matthew Cruz confirmed following the accident that the crash is being investigated as a felony DUI traffic collision, adding that preliminary blood tests “did show signs of narcotics”.
“The blood draw results showed a presence of narcotics but additional testing is required to rule out any substances that were administered in the hospital,” Officer Annie Hernandez further elaborated.
While many online have expressed sadness over the incident, correctly emphasising that she is a mother of two, the accident has proved divisive to some who have been quick to sling criticism due to her blood tests and the circumstances which led up to the the crash.
While we’ll try not to share any of the negative posts, because there’s not much to be gained from it, we will drop some of the replies to give you an idea.
You can also read wider chat around substance misuse and the LGBTQ+ community in No Straight Answers: substance abuse and our queer community.
Anne Heche won’t see your tasteless take about how she deserves to die for driving under the influence, but your friends and family secretly struggling with addiction will.
Think before you post.
Always root for people to safely beat their demons.
— Tyler Woodbridge (@woodbridgetyler) August 12, 2022
Anne Heche was a promising young actress.
She had great reviews behind her and great expectations ahead.
She was Ellen Degeneres’ first girlfriend in the public eye.
Shortly after she starred in a rom-com with Harrison Ford.
‘Could an out lesbian carry a movie?’ the trades asked. pic.twitter.com/5UBT1ynVfW— Matthew Hodson (@Matthew_Hodson) August 12, 2022
You can do both.
Anne Heche has children, and no one deserves to lose their mother in a tragic way.
Compassion can go miles. Humanity needs more of it. https://t.co/xYplCm5GKd
— Clayton Davis – Stand with 🇺🇦 (@ByClaytonDavis) August 12, 2022
Anne Heche lost her brother in a car crash when she was just 13.
It happened just a few months after her father, who sexually abused her, died due to complications from HIV.
What a horrific way to leave this earth.
My heart breaks for her two sons. https://t.co/JuQWvu8Ias
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) August 12, 2022
I’m very upset and sad that Anne Heche is not expected to live.And yes she would have been arrested for driving under the influence and putting lives in danger .she still is a great artist and struggled with addiction it’s terribly sad for her children and for her friends. ✌🏼
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 12, 2022
You can do both.
Anne Heche has children, and no one deserves to lose their mother in a tragic way.
Compassion can go miles. Humanity needs more of it. https://t.co/xYplCm5GKd
— Clayton Davis – Stand with 🇺🇦 (@ByClaytonDavis) August 12, 2022