Emmy Award-winning actress Anne Heche has died, a week after she was critically injured in a car crash.
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” a rep for the star tells PEOPLE in a statement on behalf of Heche’s family and friends.
“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.”
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The family’s rep confirms to PEOPLE that, while Heche is legally dead according to California law, her heart is still beating and she has not been taken off life support in order to allow OneLegacy Foundation enough time to find recipients who will be a match.
Heche’s older of two sons, Homer, 20, also expressed his sadness in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.
“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he says. “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.”
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He went on to acknowledge the outpouring of love he and his family has received from around the world.
“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me,” he says. “I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you.”
The news comes a week after she crashed her car into a house in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, leaving the home destroyed and the actress in critical condition.
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She never regained consciousness.
On Thursday, her rep shared that the prognosis was dire. “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” the rep told PEOPLE in a statement on behalf of Heche’s family. “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.”
The statement also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and for the care shown Anne Heche in the aftermath of the devastating crash on Aug. 5.
“We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne’s recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital,” the statement read.
READ ALSO :Anne Heche in critical condition after crashing her vehicle into building
