USC recruit Alijah Arenas is reportedly out of an induced coma a day after being involved in a serious single-vehicle crash. The incident happened in the Reseda area of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. The 18-year-old rising basketball star is now stable as he begins his recovery journey.
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Alijah Arenas Awakens, Begins Road To Recovery
According to the LAPD, the accident happened around 5 a.m. Thursday morning. A Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant before catching fire. Arenas, 18, was transported to the hospital in serious condition, where he was intubated. However, according to a family statement shared with ESPN, he has shown promising signs of recovery. Despite his condition, Arenas reportedly remembered the smoke from the crash and was alert enough to write, “Did anyone get hurt?” Those who rescued him from his burning Cybertruck told Eyewitness News that Arenas did manage to tell them he was alone in the car.
The Good Samaritan, Bryant Sandoval, who helped save Arenas, spoke out about the intense rescue moment.
“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,” they shared. “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.” He added, “It hit more when he stuck his arm out because he was still there, he was still with us.”
The family expressed gratitude and said further updates would be shared “as Alijah continues to heal.”
“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.”
Social Media Celebrates Alijah Arenas’ Recovery News
One Instagram user @raynaylee wrote, “And he heard our prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾”
Instagram user @msceemscee said, “🙌🏽God is so amazing ❤️ get well soon young man”
Another Instagram user @ashley.brionne added, “he asked about the others & if they were hurt right after he got out the coma 😢 bless his heart”
And, Instagram user @royalty_vibez said, “Look at God!! 🙌🏽 And he gon come back stronger than ever 💪🏾💪🏾”
Instagram user @itzamermaid added, “…Hopefully he makes a full and healthy recovery”
Finally, Instagram user @thattattooedchickgoldz said, “…And thank God for the good samaritan”
Alijah Injured In Fiery Crash, Placed In Induced Coma
As previously reported by The Shade Room, a terrifying car crash on Thursday left Arenas in an induced coma. Following reports of the accident, his mother, Laura Govan, posted a cryptic message on Instagram pleading for prayers. First responders arrived to reports of a “trapped patient,” but Arenas was already pulled from the vehicle. Though the LAFD initially didn’t release a name, they confirmed that the driver, an 18-year-old male, was rushed to the hospital. Sources later confirmed to ESPN that it was indeed Alijah Arenas, who was placed in an induced coma due to smoke inhalation.
Thankfully, despite the severity of the crash, reports say Alijah has no broken bones. For those unfamiliar, Alijah is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and TV personality Laura Govan. He is also one of the country’s top high school basketball players. The five-star USC commit recently signed a major sponsorship deal with Adidas and appears to be on a fast track to greatness.
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