Anne Heche still in coma, not expected to survive, family says

Anne Heche's family said she had suffered 'a severe anoxic brain injury' and remains in a coma due to the accident. Photo: AFP

The family of Anne Heche say the US actress is "not expected to survive" following a severe collision that left her vehicle engulfed in flames earlier this week.

In a statement, Heche's family said she had suffered "a severe anoxic brain injury" and remains in a coma due to the accident.

"We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne's recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital," the statement read.

"Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive."

The family said that the actress is currently being kept on life support to determine whether her organs are viable for donation. – dpa