Anne Heche’s death has officially been ruled an accident.
Heche died due to inhalation of smoke and thermal injuries according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Her manner of death was listed as an accident and also noted that a “sternal fracture due to blunt trauma” was another “significant condition” from thedevastating car crashshe was involved in on Aug. 5.
Anne Heche.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
On Aug. 5, Heche was behind the wheel of her Mini Cooper when she crashed into a Los Angeles home. Both her car and the residence caught fire.
The actressremained in a comafor nearly a week before it was revealed on Aug. 12 that she was"not expected to survive.“Heche was declaredlegally deadin the state of California on Aug. 12, though her heart continued to beat until Sunday in order to ensure her organs could be donated in accordance with her wishes.
“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. “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 20-year-old son Homer, whom she shares with ex-husband Coley Laffoon, alsopaid tribute to his mom in a statement to 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,” he said in part.
She was taken off life support on Aug. 14.
Anne Heche.Gregory Arlt
Since the crash — and especially as news of Heche’s passing became imminent — her Hollywood friends and loved onespaid tribute online. “I love you @anneheche,” her formerDancing with the StarspartnerKeo Motsepewrote in a since-expired Instagram story.
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In addition to Homer, Heche leaves behind 13-year-oldson Atlas, whom she shares with ex James Tupper.
source: people.com
