Alijah Arenas Out of Coma After Serious Car Crash
In a heart-stopping turn of events, USC recruit Alijah Arenas has emerged from an induced coma following a harrowing car crash in the Los Angeles area. The news, which broke on Friday, has sent ripples of relief and concern through the sports community, as fans and fellow athletes rally around the young basketball star.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, just before 5 a.m., in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Arenas was involved in a single-vehicle crash. The vehicle, a Tesla Cybertruck, collided with a tree and a fire hydrant, resulting in a fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that Arenas was transported to the hospital in serious condition.
At just 18 years old, Arenas remains intubated, but his family has shared that he has “shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours.” In a poignant moment, Arenas reportedly remembered the smoke from the crash and wrote a note asking, “Did anyone get hurt?” This small but powerful gesture highlights his concern for others, even amidst his own recovery.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Thursday that Arenas was in stable condition, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dire situation. Video footage obtained by TMZ shows the dramatic aftermath of the crash, with the front of Arenas’ vehicle engulfed in flames. Two bystanders can be seen attempting to rescue him from the burning truck, while water sprays from the damaged fire hydrant.
The family statement includes a harrowing account from one of the bystanders who helped pull Arenas from the wreckage. “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 bystander recalled. “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.”
As of Friday, the cause of the crash remains unknown, leaving many questions unanswered. However, the focus remains on Arenas’ recovery and the incredible efforts of those who came to his aid.
Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is a highly touted recruit, ranked No. 13 in the class of 2025. After reclassifying in December, he committed to the USC Trojans in January. A five-star prospect, Arenas attends Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, where he has made a significant impact on the basketball court. This year, he helped lead his team to the final of the Division II state championships and became the first high school boys’ basketball player in the Los Angeles area to reach 3,000 career points.
In addition to his high school achievements, Arenas was one of 48 players selected to participate in the McDonald’s All American Games in April, a prestigious event that showcases the best high school basketball talent in the country.
The Arenas family has expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who has supported Alijah during this challenging time. They have promised to provide further updates “as Alijah continues to heal.” In their statement, they described the rescue as “an act of courage” and praised Alijah’s “incredible will to survive,” calling it “nothing short of miraculous.” They also extended their thanks to the medical team and the community for their “overwhelming love and encouragement.”
USC men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman also addressed the situation in a statement on X on Thursday. He wrote, “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.”
As the sports world watches and waits, the focus remains on Alijah Arenas’ recovery and the hope that he will soon be back on the court, doing what he loves most.
- Alijah Arenas is out of an induced coma.
- The crash involved a Tesla Cybertruck.
- Arenas is the No. 13-ranked recruit in the class of 2025.
- He is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas.
- USC coach Eric Musselman has expressed his support.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
