Anne Heche is 'not expected to survive' after severe brain injury from car crash, rep says

A representative for Anne Heche has confirmed the actress is "not expected to survive" after suffering a severe brain injury in the aftermath of a car accident last week.

"Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition," a representative told People magazine on behalf of Heche's family.

"She is not expected to survive."

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The representative added that doctors were commencing the organ donation process, as "it has long been [Heche's] choice to donate her organs."

"She's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," they are quoted as saying.

They also thanked fans and friends for their ongoing support after the actress' car accident on August 6, in which her car burst into flames after she drove it into a house in Los Angeles.

"She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light," they said.

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On August 5, the Donnie Brasco star crashed her blue Mini Cooper into the garage of an apartment complex.

TMZ reports said that bystanders tried to help Heche exit her vehicle, however she allegedly backed up and drove away before crashing into another home.

Her car then became "engulfed" in flames following the second crash. At least six fire fighting vehicles attended the scene to put out the fire and rescue Heche from her car, reports state.

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Following the incident, a representative told Variety the actress was "in stable condition", adding: "Her family and friends ask for your thoughts and prayers. We also ask to respect her privacy during this difficult time. Thank you."

Heche rose to fame in the 1990s thanks to her on-screen roles and high-profile romance with Ellen DeGeneres.

The couple dated for three years from 1997 until 2000 and were one of Hollywood's first openly gay couples.

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