Alijah Arenas, a top basketball prospect and son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, is out of an induced come after a car crash in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his family.
The 18-year-old was involved in a crash in the early hours of Thursday morning when a Tesla Cybertruck left the road and crashed into a fire hydrant before hitting a tree. He was taken to a local hospital and placed into a induced coma. His family said he is now out of the coma but remains intubated. The family said he has “shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours.” He had asked if anyone else was hurt in the crash after he woke.
TMZ published video of the aftermath of the crash, showing the Cybertruck on fire. The Los Angeles Times quoted a police source saying that drugs or alcohol are not thought to have played a role in the crash.
The family also published a quote from a bystander who helped rescue Arenas from the truck.
“I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick. That’s when I realized someone was inside,” the person said. “I tried to break the window, but it wouldn’t give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out.”
The family praised the person who saved Arenas, as well as the medical staff who are caring for him.
“This act of courage, along with Alijah’s incredible will to survive, has been nothing short of miraculous,” the family said. “The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery. They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.”
Arenas has committed to play basketball at USC, and is considered one of the best prospects of the class of 2025. The 6ft 6in guard was watched by his father Gilbert at the McDonald’s All-American Game in April.
In a statement on Thursday, USC coach Eric Musselman addressed the crash. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning’s accident. Please keep him, his teammates and friends, and the entire Arenas family in your prayers.”
Alijah Arenas is one of four children Gilbert Arenas had with his former partner, Laura Govan. Alijah’s sister Izela recently transferred to play at Kansas State. Gilbert Arenas played 12 seasons in the NBA from 2001-2012. He was a three-time All-Star and was named the league’s most improved player in 2003.
