Preliminary blood tests showed “signs of narcotics” in Anne Heche’s system as her family said she was “not expected to survive” the violent car accident that left her in a coma.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said further tests are needed to rule out any substances administered in the hospital.
It comes when LAPD spokesman Matthew Cruz confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a traffic accident for driving under the influence (DUI).
He added that preliminary blood tests “showed signs of narcotics”.
Law enforcement sources told celebrity news site TMZ that Heche was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the incident.
Fentanyl was also found in the 53-year-old’s blood, but further tests are needed to determine if it was in her system prior to the collision, the sources added.
Strong opioid is sometimes used as a pain reliever in hospital and therefore may have been given as part of its treatment.
Heche suffered severe burns and lung damage after crashing into a two-story house in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles on the morning of Friday, August 5.
He remains in a critical coma in the hospital a week later.
On Thursday, Heche’s family released a statement claiming that the actress had been temporarily kept alive.
“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,” the statement read.
“It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she is being kept alive to determine if some are viable.”
Heche’s car caught fire after the collision. Photo: NBCLA
The statement added: “Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit.
“More than his extraordinary talent, he has seen kindness and joy spread as his life’s work, above all moving the needle to accept those you love.
“She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and deeply felt for her light.”
Images and footage obtained by TMZ following the accident showed Heche driving a blue Mini Cooper, which was later photographed severely damaged at the scene.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said the vehicle “exploded in a massive fire” after crashing into the property.
It took 59 firefighters 65 minutes to access, confine and completely extinguish the flames inside the badly damaged facility, according to a LAFD report.
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Anne Heche: The car crashes into the house
Heche is the former partner of US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres – the couple began dating in 1997 before separating in 2000 – and is known for films including Donnie Brasco, Cedar Rapids and the 1998 remake of Psycho.
In an updated press release Thursday, LAPD confirmed that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
“On August 5, 2022 at around 10:55 am, a vehicle driven by Anne Heche collided with a residence on Walgrove Avenue block 1700,” the report said.
“Heche sustained significant injuries, was given medical assistance by the Los Angeles fire department and later transported to a local hospital where she is still receiving medical treatment.
“As part of an investigative process, West Traffic Detectives have composed a search warrant for a blood sample from Heche, which is common practice for such a case.”
Read more:
Anne Heche is still in a coma with lung damage and burns four days after the horror incident
Anne Heche was “seriously injured” after a car crashed into the house and caught fire
The release added, “This case is still an active and ongoing investigation and is currently undergoing further evidence gathering to include final toxicology findings and medical records from both parties involved.
“It is the intention of the investigating investigators to bring this case to the appropriate prosecutor’s office: the Los Angeles County District Attorney or the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office once all relevant evidence has been collected.”
