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Soap Alum Anne Heche To Be Taken Off Life Support

It’s been a week since actress Anne Heche — who daytime viewers may remember for her Emmy-winning turn as twins Vicky and Marley on ANOTHER WORLD — was involved in a horrific Los Angeles car accident that ended with her crashing into a home and her automobile catching fire. Following the August 5 accident, Heche was hospitalized in critical condition and had fallen into a coma. But now, per the latest statement from her representative, it’s been determined that the actress had sadly suffered a severe brain injury and will be taken off life support.

Over the past few days, Heche’s family and friends were hoping for a miracle since the actress was badly burned and on a ventilator. But according to Deadline, Heche’s medical team has unfortunately pronounced her brain dead. “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,” a rep for Heche’s family told Deadline. “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive. It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she is being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.”

AW Anne Heche Paul Michael Valley
Heche’s Vicky and Paul Michael Valley’s Ryan were one of ANOTHER WORLD’s most popular couples.Alan F. Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

It took 59 firefighters over an hour to extract Heche from the fiery blaze that engulfed her car and the home. Thankfully, the house’s resident and dog were able to evacuate, but the fire left Heche, per an August 5 statement from her rep, in critical condition with severe burns and a “significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation.” Although she was reportedly responsive and communicating with first responders during her rescue, Heche slipped into a coma shortly afterward and never regained consciousness.

“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” continued Heche’s rep. “More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”

The 53-year-old actress has two sons: 20-year-old Homer with her ex-husband, Coleman Laffoon, and 13-year-old Atlas with ex-boyfriend James Tupper. Our thoughts are with Heche’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time.

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