Former TV host Ellen DeGeneres has posted an emotional message to her ex-girlfriend Anne Heche after it was confirmed that she died aged 53.
After it was revealed that the Emmy-award-winning actress had been declared legally dead, DeGeneres wrote on social media: “This is a sad day. I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.” The 64-year-old TV personality dated Heche from 1997 to 2000.
DeGeneres’ heartfelt post came after Heche’s family announced that the actress was “not expected to survive” after being seriously injured in a car accident.
She suffered a fiery car crash on August 5 when she hit a house at 90 mph and was reportedly under the influence of cocaine.
A rep for Heche issued a statement on behalf of her family, saying: “Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend.”
“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,” the statement added.
The rep also confirmed that while Heche is “brain dead” under California law, her heart is still beating. She has not been taken off life support so that her heart can be donated and OneLegacy Foundation has enough time to find compatible recipients.
Despite being embroiled in a bitter fight over their 13-year-old son Atla’s custody, Heche’s ex James Tupper wrote “love you forever” along with a picture of her and a broken heart emoji on social media.
The actress is survived by two sons: Atlas and 20-year-old Homer, whom she had with ex-husband Coleman Laffoon.
Homer also expressed his sadness through a statement to the media, saying: “My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. 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,” he added. “Rest In Peace Mom, I love you.”
