Anne Heche’s son, Atlas, has reflected on the tragic loss of his mother, five months after the fiery crash that claimed her life.
Heche passed away at the age of 53 on Friday, August 12 , 2022 following a fiery car crash.
The Six Days Seven Nights star was placed in a coma after her car ploughed into a Los Angeles home before bursting into flames. Heche suffered a brain injury and significant burns as a result of the incident.
Police reportedly discovered narcotics in her system after performing a blood test.
At the time, a representative for the actress announced Heche’s death in a statement provided to TMZ .
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” the representative said.
“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.”
Heche who has been kept on life support following the car crash was reported as having no brain function, which California law defines as deceased.
Now five months on from her death, her son, Atlas Heche Tupper, has opened up about “the brightest person” he has ” ever known” in an article for the in Los Angeles Inquisitor magazine.
“My mom was the brightest person I’ve ever known,” Atlas said.
“She always knew how to solve a problem, or help a friend. She always knew the right thing to do. I cannot put into words how grateful I am or how much I miss her.”
Following her death in 2022, Heche’s other son, Homer Laffoon, released a statement to Variety revealing that he has been “left with a deep, wordless sadness” following his mother’s passing.
“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he said at the time.
“After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.
“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest in peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”
Heche rose to prominence after portraying twins Vicky Hudson and Marley Love on the soap opera Another World which won her a Daytime Emmy Award and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
This led to further roles throughout the 1990s in such films as Donnie Brasco, Volcano, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Six Days, Seven Nights alongside Harrison Ford.
Heche is survived by her two sons.