Anne Heche passes away at age 53

US actor Anne Heche has been declared legally dead, one week after her car crashed into a Los Angeles building.

The Hollywood star was severely bruised all over and had been comatose in the hospital with a severe brain injury.

After several examinations it had been discovered that at the time of the fiery incident she had drugs in her system.

Heche’s spokeswoman Holly Baird told the AFP, “Having lost all brain function, she is legally dead according to California law.”

Her family is very much shattered with her demise and released a joint statement confirming the news, "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."

However her son Homer Laffoon penned in a note saying, “My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.”

Doctors were constantly on assistance and they kept Heche on a breathing machine.

The collision had caused structural compromise and heavy fire at the scene and Heche was taken to a medical care in critical condition after which she never regained consciousness.