Anne Heche Death: What Happens After Actress Is Taken off Life Support?
Anne Heche was declared brain dead last Friday, a week after her horrific car crash into a house in Los Angeles. The 53-year-old actress is now considered legally dead according to California law and was only kept on life support so that her organs can be donated.
A spokesperson for the actress told NBC News that Heche will be taken off of life support on Sunday afternoon. The spokesperson said the actress' heart is still beating so that One Legacy can see if she is a match for organ donation.
Her cause of death was a severe anoxic brain injury, which deprived the brain of oxygen, leading to her brain shutting down. Police revealed that at the time of her crash, Heche had drugs in her system.
However, authorities have now declared closing their investigation into the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was supposed to have a felony investigation into the crash but dropped it following doctors declaring the actress legally dead.
According to an LAPD spokesperson, police will still continue acquiring outstanding items via search warrants, but no further prosecution will be happening.
When Anne Heche crashed her blue Mini Cooper into a home, one woman inside was caught up in the crash. Luckily, she only suffered a few minor injuries and had already sought medical attention.
Anne Heche, Who Wished to Donate Her Organs, Matched With Organ Recipient
Before she died, the actress best known for her performance as Patricia Campbell in the NBC drama, "The Brave," had long decided that her organs be donated. Thus, she was kept on life support after being declared legally dead.
According to New York Post, a recipient for her organs has already been found, which means she can now be removed from life support. Doctors are planning to transplant multiple organs from her body. However, aside from her heart, it is still unknown which other organs will be donated.
Anne Heche's Son Talks About His Mother
Anne Heche is survived by her 13-year-old son, Atlas Heche Tupper, 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon, and her mother, Nancy Heche. Homer recently broke his silence about the death of their mother.
In a statement, Homer said he and his brother Atlas lost their mother "after six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings." Homer noted that his mother was "a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend."
"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," Homer noted.
Homer also said he was grateful to the "thousands of friends, family, and fans," who sympathized with them and "made their hearts known to me." He noted that his father, Coley, and stepmom Alexi were his "rock" during this time.
"Rest In Peace Mom, I love you," Homer concluded.
In a separate statement on Thursday night, Anne Heche's family said they lost a "bright light." The family described the actress as a "kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend."
"Anne will be deeply missed, but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy," the family said.
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Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Anne Heche Declared Legally Dead At 53 After Fiery Car Crash - From The Today Show