Anne Heche’s Accident, 4 Years Later: What to Know About the Actress’ Deadly Car Crash

Samantha Stutsman, Emily KrauserTue, August 11, 2026 at 11:15 AM UTC

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Anne Heche attends the 74th annual Directors Guild of America Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., on March 12, 2022Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic -

Anne Heche crashed her car into a Los Angeles home on Aug. 5, 2022

She was pronounced dead on Aug. 11, 2022, at 53 years old

The Wag the Dog actress died from injuries sustained in the crash

Anne Heche’s deadly car accident occurred four years ago.

The Donnie Brasco actress was driving her car through Los Angeles on Aug. 5, 2022, when she crashed into a residential home, with the impact causing both the vehicle and house to become engulfed in flames.

First responders were able to rescue Heche from the wreckage, and she was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to stabilize her, Heche never regained consciousness. On Aug. 11, 2022, she was declared legally dead at 53.

“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother and a loyal friend,” a rep for the Six Days, Seven Nights star told PEOPLE at the time in a statement on behalf of Heche’s family and friends.

Here’s what to know about Anne Heche’s death and the legacy she left behind.

How did Anne Heche die?

Anne Heche attends the Klambt Style Cocktail at la soupe populaire CANTEEN in Berlin on July 2, 2019Credit: Isa Foltin/Getty

Heche was involved in a high-speed, single-car crash in the Mar Vista neighborhood of L.A. on Aug. 5, 2022. She was driving her Mini Cooper when she veered off the road and crashed into a residential home.

The impact ignited a massive fire that engulfed the car and the house. It took emergency responders at least 45 minutes to fully extinguish the flames and extricate Heche from the wreckage.

The Emmy-nominated actress was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. She never regained consciousness.

A week later, on Aug. 11, Heche was pronounced legally dead under California law. Her life support was maintained until Aug. 14 to complete organ donation, per her wishes.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner ruled her death an accident, with the official cause listed as smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, and a sternum fracture as a contributing factor.

The actress was not impaired by drugs at the time of her crash, per a report from the L.A. County Medical Examiner-Coroner, obtained by PEOPLE.

When and where did Anne Heche die?

Anne Heche attends the ‘The Tender Bar’ premiere at TCL Chinese Theater in L.A. on Dec. 12, 2021Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock

After her car crash on Aug. 5, 2022, Heche was first taken to the emergency room at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. She was then transferred to the Grossman Burn Center, per NBC4 Los Angeles.

On Aug. 11, 2022, Heche was declared legally dead. She remained on life support until Aug. 14, 2022, to allow for organ donation.

What have Anne Heche’s sons said about her death?

Anne Heche with sons Atlas and HomerCredit: Anne Heche/Instagram

Heche is survived by her two children: son Homer, whom she shared with her ex-husband, Coleman “Coley” Laffoon, and son Atlas, whom she welcomed with ex-boyfriend James Tupper.

Following Heche’s death, Homer released a statement to PEOPLE: “My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. 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.”

Days later, another statement on behalf of Homer detailed his mother’s burial arrangements.

“My brother Atlas and I want to thank all the amazing people at Hollywood Forever [Cemetery] for their kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit,” the statement read. “We are convinced our Mom would love the site we have chosen for her; it’s beautiful, serene and she will be among her Hollywood peers.”

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It continued, “Most importantly, Hollywood Forever is a living place, where people attend movies and concerts and other events. She was our Mom, but the kindness and the outpouring of the past few days reminded us that she also belongs to her fans, to the entertainment community, and now, to the ages.”

On Jan. 24, 2023 — the release date of Heche’s posthumous memoirCall Me Anne — Atlas publicly remembered his mother for the first time since her death.

“My mom was the brightest person I’ve ever known,” he told the Los Angeles Inquisitor. “She always knew how to solve a problem or help a friend. She always knew the right thing to do. I cannot put into words how grateful I am or how much I miss her.”

What was the public reaction to Anne Heche’s death?

Anne Heche attends the third annual Mammoth Film Festival in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., on Feb. 29, 2020Credit: Michael Bezjian/Getty

Many in Hollywood, including former cast members and collaborators, shared heartfelt tributes honoring Heche, in statements to PEOPLE and on social media.

“I’m very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Anne Heche,” her Wag the Dog costar Robert De Niro told PEOPLE. “She was a wonderful actress, and I enjoyed working with her tremendously in Wag the Dog. Sad! Sad! Sad!”

Keo Motsepe, Heche’s former Dancing with the Stars partner, posted a brief but emotional message on Instagram, captioning a series of photos of himself with the actress, “I love you @anneheche.”

DWTS judgeCarrie Ann Inaba also told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement about Heche, “She was a unique person. So open and vulnerable, yet also so direct and courageous. I believe she was someone who was often misunderstood … and like all humans, she made mistakes.”

“She was a rare and precious person, and I am sad that she has left us and her family so soon,” Inaba added. “I wish her family healing and love … and may Anne Heche rest and play in peace now … She will always be a part of the DWTS family.”

Heche’s Catfight costar Alicia Silverstone also posted on Instagram, writing in part, “She was my favorite actress that I have ever worked with ... So present alive sharp passionate compelling complicated an extraordinary scene partner.”

What legacy did Anne Heche leave behind?

Anne Heche as Robin Monroe in 1998’s ‘Six Days, Seven Nights’Credit: © Buena Vista/courtesy Everett Collection

Following the actress’ death, her family and friends shared a statement with PEOPLE, which highlighted “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,” they continued.

Heche enjoyed a decades-long career that spanned television, film and stage. She first gained widespread recognition with her dual role on the soap opera Another World, followed by standout performances in films like Volcano (1997), Wag the Dog (1997), I Know What You Did Last Summer(1997), Six Days, Seven Nights (1998) and the 1998 remake of Psycho.

Heche made her Broadway debut in the 2002 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof. In 2004, she took the stage alongside Alec Baldwin in Twentieth Century, a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination.

That same year, she earned an Emmy nod for her supporting role in the 2004 Lifetime film Gracie’s Choice. She later starred on the ABC romantic dramedy Men in Trees from 2006 to 2008.

Heche was also the recipient of GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award in 2000, which is given to a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has promoted acceptance. Heche, who dated Ellen DeGeneres from 1997 to 2000, was part of one of the first openly gay female couples in Hollywood.

She also wrote two memoirs: Call Me Crazy, released in 2001, and Call Me Anne, released posthumously in 2023.

on People

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