Nearly two weeks after Anne Heche fatally crashed her Mini Cooper into a house, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has officially ruled the actress’ death an accident, People reports.
According to the coroner’s report, Heche died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, with “sternal fracture due to blunt trauma” noted as a significant condition contributing to her death. The manner of death was listed as accidental.
Heche was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition following the fiery crash on August 5, and it soon became evident that the Six Days Seven Nights actress was not expected to survive the severity of her injuries.
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The actress remained in a coma for nearly a week before she was declared brain-dead at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center on August 11. Heche’s body remained on life support until August 14 in order for any viable organs to be donated, per her wishes.
Heche’s family and friends released a statement following news of her passing, writing, “We have lost a bright light, 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. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact.”
The actress is survived by two sons, 20-year-old Homer and 13-year-old Atlas. Heche was 53.
LAPD: There Will Be “No Further Investigation” Into Crash
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Following Sunday’s news that Heche had been taken off of life support, Los Angeles Police Department officials announced that the investigation into the accident had been closed.
“As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case,” the police department told People. “Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.”
Officials were looking into the crash after Heche’s blood tests found unspecified narcotics in her system; the investigation aimed to determine if the drug(s) were prescribed and when they were administered.
Tests also showed Heche was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
