In what could have been a tragic chapter for the Arenas family, there's a glimmer of hope. Alijah Arenas, a highly-touted recruit for the USC basketball program, has emerged from an induced coma following a harrowing vehicle accident in Los Angeles.
The 18-year-old, despite still being intubated, has made remarkable strides, as noted by his family in a statement released on Friday. His resilience is evident, showing considerable improvement over the past day, giving loved ones and supporters reasons to be cautiously optimistic.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning in the Reseda neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, when officers responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash around 5 a.m. According to the LAPD, Arenas was in a Tesla Cybertruck, which collided violently with a tree and a fire hydrant, igniting a fierce blaze.
Arenas, despite the traumatic ordeal, has started communicating and reportedly expressed concern about anyone else being hurt during the crash. The family relayed his thoughts, recounting his question, “Did anyone get hurt?”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no official explanations have been provided.
Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA luminary Gilbert Arenas, is well-known in California's prep basketball scene. A standout athlete at Chatsworth High School, he recently made history as the first male prep player from the school to amass over 3,000 career points.
As the promising young athlete continues his recovery, the Arenas family expressed profound gratitude for the support and care received. Updates on Alijah’s condition will be shared as his healing journey continues.
