Sahar Mourad
Legal

Anne Heche's official cause of death revealed

Anne Heche’s death has been ruled an accident just days after she was taken off life support.

The 53-year-old was pulled out of her burning car after she crashed into a Los Angeles mansion while driving 140km/h on August 5.

The actress fell into a coma where the “presence of drugs” was found in her body as she remained on life support.

Having been labelled labelled legally dead two days prior, Heche, an organ donor, was taken off life support on August 14 after recipients for her organs were found.

On August 17, almost two weeks after the horrific incident, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner ruled Heche’s death an accident.

The ruling read that Heche died due to inhalation of smoke and thermal injuries, with "sternal fracture due to blunt trauma" listed as another "significant condition".

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) also confirmed that the investigation into the crash would not move forward.

"As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case," a spokesperson said.

"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.”

Following the news of Heche’s death, her representative issued a statement about the loss of a “joyful soul”.

"Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," the statement read.

"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."

Heche is survived by her 13-year-old son Atlas, who she shares with actor James Trupper, and 20-year-old son Homer, shared with ex-husband Coleman Laffoon.

Image: Getty

Tags:
Anne Heche, death, accident, Los Angeles