Celebrity friends are leading tributes following the death of Anne Heche whose life support has been switched off on Friday evening.
It was a week after the terrifying smash which saw her Mini Cooper burst into flames in a fiery inferno in LA.
The 53-year-old actress was officially declared brain dead after she crashed into a two-storey house in the Mar Vista neighbourhood of Los Angeles on August 5.
Friend Nancy Davis broke the news this evening that her life support had been turned off and announced Anne had “went to heaven”.
Writing a tribute on Instagram, she said: “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.”
Anne suffered lung damage, burns and a severe anoxic brain injury, which is caused by a sustained lack of oxygen to the brain.
She remained in a critical condition in a coma at the Grossman Burn Centre at West Hills Hospital.
She was kept on life support to see if her organs could be donated, but it ended earlier today.
Ellen DeGeneres, who dated Anne from 1997 to 2000, has now spoken out, reacting to the news of her ex girlfriend's death.
The talkshow host shared a statement on her Instagram story to give her condolences to Anne's family and friends on what she called a "sad day".
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."
Anne and Ellen dated for three years, but their relationship took a turn for the worst when Anne's mental health began to deteriorate and Ellen's fame and fortune continued to sore.
In a 2021 interview, Anne claimed she reached out to her former girlfriend 'every day of her life' to make peace with her but said nothing could 'satisfy her soul'.
Ex-boyfriend, and father of her son Atlas, James Tupper has since paid tribute to the actress who he dated from 2007 to 2018.
Sharing a picture of his former love on Instagram, James captioned the snap "love you forever" - followed by the broken heart emoji.
The pair met in 2006 when they co-starred in the hit-ABC series Men in Trees.
They shared Atlas, 13, and co-parented Anne's son Homer, 20, from her first marriage.
They worked together numerous times, including in the 2013 horror film Nothing Left to Fear, and split in 2018 on amicable terms.
At the time, they released a joint statement to People, saying: "James and I have shared a great life together and have many wonderful memories.
"Relationships change and grow; we're taking time for that.
"We care very much for each other and plan to continue raising our two beautiful boys in love and harmony. Thank you for allowing us privacy as our family evolves."
Coleman Laffoon, the father of Homer, has also penned a tribute to his ex-wife Anne.
She and the TV camera man tied the knot in 2001 after meeting while working on a documentary about Ellen DeGeneres.
They were together from 2001 and were divorced by 2009 after Anne met Tupper.
"It's important to remember the real love in the best times," he said.
"Thank you Anne. Peace on your journey."
Planet of the Apes and Aftermath actor Levi Meaden also paid tribute to Anne – who had played his mother in a previous show titled Aftermath – on Instagram.
“I’m at a loss as I write this. Lord knows she had her struggles in life, but it led her to carry herself the way she did, led her to be the woman I met,” he penned.
“She told me the only one holding me back was me, and that I needed to be my own hero.
“She gave me so much advice. She taught me how to carry myself in this industry. She is an icon. She was an immense talent.
“She was a lot of things but my most importantly she was loved. I’m heartbroken, and I know many, many other people are as well.
“She knew there was strength in vulnerability and she wouldn’t let anyone rob her of it. I hope she is at peace.
“My heart goes out to all of those that loved her but especially her family. I’ll miss you Anne, thanks for everything.”
Dancing With The Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba said Anne touched her heart, revealing that she was "so heart broken for her" and "for those who love her".
She penned: "I’ve been thinking of her since her accident last week and like many of you, my heart is heavy…
"Anne was one of the stars on @dancingwiththestars that truly touched my heart.
"Her personal story was one that reached into my heart and squeezed it. I could feel the pain she felt, and I could also feel her resilient and courageous soul. And it was touching."
Carrie said she felt a connection with Anne and the "struggles she faced in life".
"Despite her trials and tribulations, she had a bright light when she came out on that stage to dance," she added.
"Every time she performed, there was a sense of complete joy and a celebration of life. It was pure. And it was special."
She said she had reached out to Anne to arrange a podcast, but they never followed through.
The US TV star added: "I am so heart broken for her and for those who love her.
"It is a tragedy in the fullest sense of the word. Not only for her but for the people who were also hurt and lost things in this incident. Lives are changed forever. In an instant."
She began to talk of what might have been going through Anne's mind before the horror crash.
"I swallow the tears that keep wanting to flow when I think of her in that burning car," she added. "Wondering what happened right before the accident. It seems from the outside like there was some sort of emotional distress.
"Pain. Panic. Fear. Frustration. Disorientation. Sadness. I don’t know… none of us do.
"I just hope she can feel the outpouring of love.
"Anne, I just wanted to say I’m grateful to have had the chance to SEE you. You had a great impact on many of us not only with your talent, but also with your free spirit."
