Anne Heche Cause of Death Revealed
Nearly two weeks after American actress Anne Heche died in a fatal car crash, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner revealed the exact cause of death.
According to the coroner’s report, Anne died from “smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.” However, the actress also sustained several life-threatening injuries during the accident. This included lung injuries that required mechanical ventilation, a major brain injury, and severe burns. In addition, blunt force trauma resulted in major blood loss and a broken sternum.
After her car accident on August 5, Anne was rushed to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and seemed to be in stable condition. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated in the week that followed. She slipped into a coma soon after being admitted and was pronounced legally dead on August 12.
Two days later on August 14, she was taken off life support after the OneLegacy Foundation had found organ recipients as was Anne’s wish. Officially, her death has been considered an accident.
The actress who became popular for starring in films during the late 90s is succeeded by her two children, Homer Laffoon and Atlas Heche Tupper. Homer is Anne’s son with ex-husband Coley Laffoon while Atlas is her son with former partner and Candian actor James Tupper.
Her 20-year-old son Homer expressed his grief to E! by saying, “My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness.”
“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me,” he went on. “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,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, James Tupper posted a photo of Anne on his Instagram with the caption, “love you forever.”
Another former partner, Ellen Degeneres, took to Instagram to send wishes and prayers to Anne’s family.
“This is a sad day. I’m sending Anne’s children, family, and friends all of my love,” tweeted Ellen.
During the morning of the fatal accident, Anne reportedly crashed her car three times before finally colliding into a home in Mar Vista. Before the fatal incident, Anne’s car was seen ramming into the garage of an apartment complex, then a Jaguar. In both cases, Anne sped off and eventually crashed 30 feet into the two-story home as her car burst into flames. It took over 60 firemen to extract Anne from the burning vehicle and get the fire under control.
The toxicology report revealed cocaine and fentanyl in her system though it couldn’t be verified if the fentanyl came from Anne’s hospital confinement. No traces of alcohol were found in her bloodstream.
Anne is best known for her performance in the 1998 film Six Days Seven Nights. In 2004, she played Rowena Larson in the film Gracie’s Choice which led to an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
