Five-star prospect and Southern California recruit Alijah Arenas is out of a medically induced coma following a car accident, according to a family statement to ESPN on Friday.
“In a remarkable and hopeful development, Alijah Arenas has come out of his coma and has shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours,” the statement read. “In a powerful and emotional moment, Alijah opened his eyes and was able to write on a piece of paper that he remembered the smoke and asked, ‘Did anyone get hurt?’
“Although he remains intubated, this progress marks a critical step forward in his recovery.”
The 18-year-old is the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
Per multiple media outlets, Alijah Arenas was in a Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning when the vehicle struck a fire hydrant and a tree in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles Times reported, citing a source, that drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in the accident.
The family statement also included a quote from an unidentified bystander who helped remove Arenas from the burning vehicle.
“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,” the person said. “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.”
Considered one of the top prospects of the Class of 2025, Arenas reportedly turned down offers from Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisville before committing to the Trojans.
The younger Arenas is a 6-foot-6 guard who recently competed in the McDonald’s All-American Game and played basketball at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles.
–Field Level Media
