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Getty Image
Alijah Arenas, one of the top high school basketball prospects in the nation and the son of former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, is lucky to be alive after crashing his Tesla Cybertruck on Thursday morning. Arenas suffered no broken bones in the accident, which ended with the truck totaled as he struck a tree, but did need to be intubated and placed into a coma as he recovered from severe smoke inhalation.
On Friday, Arenas came out of his induced coma and was able to communicate with his family, although only in writing, as he remained intubated. Additionally, one of the men who pulled Arenas from the burning vehicle described a terrifying scene that could have ended far worse.
Update: Alijah Arenas is now out of his induced coma and making progress in recovery while being intubated following a car crash Thursday.
Statement from the family: pic.twitter.com/SgzHbrPJ3c
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 25, 2025
Alijah Arenas Rescuer Says He And Others Peeled Back Window On Burning Tesla
“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.”
Arenas’ initial response after coming out the coma was reportedly to ask whether anyone else got hurt in the accident. Thankfully, nobody did. His family then expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped their son.
“This act of courage, along with Alijah’s incredible will to survive, has been nothing short of miraculous,” his family said. “The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery. They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.”
Arenas is the 10th-ranked player in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports and is committed to the USC Trojans.