Beloved actress and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Anne Heche has sadly passed away at 53 years old.
On 5 August, the Men in Trees actor was involved in a devastating car crash in Los Angeles – which left her with severe burns and a “significant pulmonary injury”, as reported by the LA Times.
After a week of being in a coma, a rep for the Emmy winner revealed that there was no chance of her gaining consciousness.
“Unfortunately due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” the rep told People on 11 August.
“She is not expected to survive. It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she’s being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.”
On 12 August, Heche was considered legally dead under California law, even though the actress was on life support due to the organ donation process.
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” her family said in a statement.
“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.”
Since her tragic passing, heartfelt tributes from Heche’s fans and industry peers flooded social media.
One user wrote: “RIP Anne Heche. I was an intern on “Walking & Talking” and helped her move her stuff out of her NY apartment when she wrapped. A lovely person and an underappreciated actor.”
Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba tweeted: “Rest In Peace. May your soul be at peace. We will miss your beautiful, unique and free spirited energy.”
Rest In Peace. @AnneHeche
May your soul be at peace. We will miss your beautiful, unique and free spirited energy. I will always remember your performance on @officialdwts in that 🌈 costume, dancing with all your heart. 💜❤️💕 thank you for being you. pic.twitter.com/e0YnmNhRzf— Carrie Ann Inaba (@carrieanninaba) August 12, 2022
Heche’s oldest son Homer Laffoon also expressed his grief over his mother’s death in a heartbreaking statement.
“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am with a deep, wordless sadness,” he said.
“Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom… Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”
Over the last 30 years, Heche curated a successful and influential career as an actress in Hollywood.
Alongside her expansive body of work, the Walking and Talking star also broke significant ground for LGBTQ+ representation when she dated Ellen DeGeneres from 1997 to 2000.
At the time, there were hardly any openly LGBTQ+ actors, let alone queer couples, in Hollywood.
In a 2020 interview with Mr Warburton magazine, Heche opened up about her groundbreaking relationship, stating: “Our time was a beautiful part of my life and one that I wear with honor.
“I was part of a revolution that created social change, and I could not have done that without falling in love with her.”
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