Anne Heche's family have shared a tribute to the actress after her passing at age 53.
The actress passed away on Friday August 12 – a week after she was involved in a horrific car accident. Anne was taken into hospital and later went into a coma, before she was declared brain dead.
The family's representative has said in a statement: "Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy.
"Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact," they added to TMZ. The representative also explained how Anne is "brain dead" and under California law that is the definition of death.
They added how Anne is still on a life support machine for the purpose of organ donation but the actress has "no brain function". Anne died in a Los Angeles hospital after she was rushed there following a horrific car accident last week.
The terrible car crash saw Anne's car smash into the garage of an apartment complex and burst into flames. Photos show the completely gutted vehicle after the blaze, which saw emergency services rush to the scene in a desperate bid to save Anne.
Investigations by the Los Angeles Police Department found Anne had drugs in her system when they took samples following the crash. Initially, it was reported Anne was "stable", but it was later revealed the actress was in fact in a "critical condition" in a coma with lung damage and burns.
A spokesperson told PA Agency earlier this week: "Previous reports stating that Anne Heche was stable were inaccurate.
"Shortly after the accident, Anne became unconscious, slipping into a coma and is in critical condition. She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention."
Following the announcement of Anne's passing her ex-girlfriend Ellen DeGeneres shared her condolences.
Ellen, 64, wrote on her Instagram story: "This is a sad day.
"I'm sending Anne's children, family and friends all of my love."
Meanwhile, Anne's friend Nancy Davis broke the news of the star's death in an Instagram tribute earlier on Friday, which read: "Heaven has a new Angel. My loving , kind , fun , endearing and beautiful friend @anneheche 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. She was so supportive with anything she could do to help @racetoerasems and would always say yes when she knew she could contribute something with her time, talent and creative genius to help find a cure for MS . My heart is broken".
