Anne Heche's death officially ruled an accident by the coroner

The death of actress Anne Heche has been ruled an accident. 

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, the Men in Trees star died due to inhalation of smoke and thermal injuries after her car exploded in flames when she crashed it into a suburban home in LA on August 5. 

In the coroner's report obtained by People, Heche's manner of death was listed as an accident and it was also noted that a "sternal fracture due to blunt trauma" was another "significant condition" she suffered from the horrific crash. 

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Heche was hospitalised after the fiery accident and was placed in a coma. The actress never regained consciousness and on August 12 she was declared legally dead. As Heche was an organ donor, she was kept on life support for two more days until recipients were found. Her life support was officially switched off on August 14. 

"Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," a rep for the star told People in a statement at the time of Heche's death. 

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"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 eldest son, 20-year-old Homer, also issued a statement. 

"After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness," said Homer, who Heche shared with ex-husband Coley Laffoon. "Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom."