Alijah Arenas Released From Hospital Following Coma, Car Crash In Los Angeles

Alijah Arenas, a five-star recruit committed to the USC Trojans, has been released from the hospital less than a week after surviving a fiery single-car crash in Los Angeles. The 18-year-old guard is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and was placed in an induced coma following the April 24 accident, which occurred as he was driving home from an early-morning workout. His recovery has been described as remarkable, and he is now resting under close watch as his family begins the next phase of his healing process.

According to details shared on Gil’s Arena, a podcast hosted by Gilbert Arenas and Josiah Johnson, Alijah was driving a Tesla Cybertruck in the Reseda neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck crashed and caught fire, prompting nearby witnesses to intervene. They were able to break a window and pull Alijah from the smoke-filled vehicle before emergency responders arrived on the scene.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly, and Alijah was transported to a local hospital. Due to smoke inhalation, doctors placed him in an induced coma as a precautionary measure. In an emotional update days later, Johnson shared that Alijah had awakened and was making steady progress, describing him as “walking, talking, [and] progressing very well.”

On Wednesday, the Arenas family issued a statement confirming Alijah’s release from the hospital and expressing gratitude for the support received throughout the ordeal. “We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch,” the family said. “While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support.”

USC coach Eric Musselman cheers his team during the first half against Oregon at Matthew Knight Arena Saturday, March 1, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The family also asked for continued privacy as they focus on Alijah’s healing, adding that they are approaching the road ahead “with faith and determination.”

Alijah’s survival and recovery have drawn an outpouring of support from fans, former NBA players, and the broader basketball community. The USC Trojans, who landed Arenas as a key piece of their 2025 recruiting class, are among those closely following his progress.

Before the crash, Arenas had been riding a wave of momentum. Originally a member of the 2026 class, he reclassified in December 2024 to join the 2025 group and committed to USC in January. He announced his decision on his father’s podcast, choosing the Trojans over offers from elite programs including Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, and Alabama.

“Alijah, congratulations man. You celebrate with your family, I’m gonna go celebrate with the coaches and call you in a little bit,” USC head coach Eric Musselman said after the commitment. “Cannot wait to coach you. Thanks for trusting us. Love it that you’re staying in Los Angeles, California.”

No official cause of the crash has been released, and authorities have not provided further comment. For now, the focus remains on Alijah’s health and continued recovery as he looks ahead to his next chapter at USC.