Anne Heche ‘peacefully taken off life support’ after donating organs

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Anne Heche has been “peacefully taken off life support” after being matched as an organ donor, a representative of the actor has confirmed.

The Cedar Rapids and I Know What You Did Last Summer star, 53, was taken to hospital on 5 August after she crashed her car into a home in Los Angeles, which then caught fire. Heche was left in a critical condition and ended up in a coma. 

Heche was declared “legally dead according to California law” on 12 August, however her family had asked for her to stay on life support until a match for organ donation had been found, in respect of her wishes.

She has now been taken off life support, with a spokesperson confirming on Sunday (14 August) organ recipients had been identified, and surgeons were ready to transplant “multiple organs”.

After she was declared legally dead, Heche’s oldest son, Homer Laffoon, 20, said he was left with a “deep, wordless sadness”, in an emotional message provided to NBC News via a spokesperson.

“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he said. “After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness.”

He continued: “Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom. 

“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. 

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“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, Homer.”

Heche had two sons: Homer Laffoon and Atlas Heche Tupper, 13, who she shares with exes Coley Laffoon and James Tupper respectively. 

Her best friend, jewellery designer and philanthropist Nancy Davis, wrote on Instagram: “Heaven has a new angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing and beautiful friend Anne Heche went to heaven.

“I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared. Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me.”

This is a sad day. I'm sending Anne's children, family and friends all of my love.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 12, 2022

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Heche famously dated Ellen DeGeneres for three-and-a-half years between 1997 and 2000, and the pair are considered to have been the first “lesbian power couple” in Hollywood.

DeGeneres said on Twitter: “This is a sad day. I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.”

The Los Angeles Police Department told PA news agency the incident was being investigated as a felony driving under the influence (DUI) traffic collision, however they have now concluded their investigations.

“There will be no further investigative efforts made in this case,” it said.

“Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.”