Just several days after Anne Heche was removed from life support after a donor match was located, the corner has released the findings of their investigation.
According to the report done by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Heche died due to inhalation of smoke and thermal injuries. Further, her manner of death was listed as an accident.
Anne Heche’s Cause of Death Revealed
As People reports, the report further revealed that Heche sustained a “sternal fracture due to blunt trauma,” categorizing it as another “significant condition.”
The National Library of Medicine categorizes sternal fractures as injuries that most likely occur as a result of deceleration injuries and blunt anterior chest trauma. While it was not listed in the coroner’s report, the National Library of Medicine says often occurs in motor vehicle collisions.
“The introduction of seat-belt legislation and shoulder restraints has resulted in an increased frequency of these injuries,” the study reads.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported after Anne Heche’s family shared that the actress has been declared dead following the crash she was involved in, new reports are sharing some further news.
In previous statements, Heche’s family made it clear that it was her dying wish to donate as many of her organs as possible. Now, that wish is the reality.
RELATED: Anne Heche’s Son, Homer, Shares His First Statement Since His Mother’s Passing
According to People, Heche was kept on life-support despite being declared dead in order to preserve her organs until they found a match. During the late hours of Sunday night, it was reported that matches have been found and Heche was removed from life-support.
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” a statement released by her family began.
“Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact.”
Her oldest son, Homer, who has been in charge of his mother’s care for the last week spoke out for the first time as well. He shared his own personal statement on behalf of himself and his brother.
“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he said in a statement shared with People. “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.”
You can read Mamas Uncut’s earlier reports on the matter below:
As Anne Heche remains in critical condition following her near-fatal car accident late last week, police and her family are sharing an update.
In a statement shared by Heche’s family, the actress suffered a severe head injury and is now expected not to survive. “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. It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she is being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.”
While the accident remains under investigation, police have revealed that the crash is now being investigated as a felony. According to CNN, LAPD Officer Jeff Lee explained that “her blood showed signs of impairment and that is why it is now being investigated as a felony traffic collision.”
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, on August 5, the actress, best known for her roles in Six Day Seven Nights, Chicago PD, Ally McBeal, and so much more, was driving her blue Mini Cooper in Los Angeles when she crashed into a home at high speeds.
The crash resulted in a fire that not only destroyed Heche’s vehicle and resulted in her sustaining severe burns but also engulfed the home she crashed into. Thankfully, the owner of the home was not severely injured in the accident but did suffer minor injuries for which she received medical attention.
Officer Annie Hernandez further explained that the results of Heche’s blood test “showed a presence of narcotics but additional testing is required to rule out any substances that were administered in the hospital.”
However, TMZ went as far as to report that law enforcement sources claimed the blood test revealed she was under the influence of cocaine. This information has not yet been confirmed by officials publicly.
Previous reports revealed that a source claimed that Anne is “lucky to be alive. She has severe burns and has a long recovery ahead. Her team and her family are still trying to process what led up to the crash.”
A rep for the actress elaborated on Heche’s injuries, revealing, “She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention. She is in a coma and has not regained consciousness since shortly after the accident.”
TMZ also reported that sources have told them that Heche’s condition has not changed since she slipped into the coma.
Officer Lee revealed that it took first responders more than an hour to extinguish the flames that resulted because of the accident. A witness told NBC Los Angeles that they watched as it took a “crane to move the car to extract the driver. It was crazy.”
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Heche’s family during this very difficult time.
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