Context:

Alijah Arenas, a top high school basketball recruit and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, was involved in a severe car accident when his Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree and fire hydrant in Los Angeles. Despite the initial seriousness of his condition, including being in a medically induced coma, he has shown significant recovery progress and is expected to be released from the hospital soon without major injuries. Emergency services responded early Thursday morning, and Arenas, who is 18 years old, was transported to the hospital in stable condition. The accident scene was dramatic, with the vehicle on fire and water from the hydrant pouring into the area, but bystanders helped rescue Arenas from the burning car. His family has expressed gratitude for the assistance of these civilians and reported that Arenas, upon waking, showed concern for others' safety, asking if anyone else was hurt.

Dive Deeper:

• Alijah Arenas was involved in a severe car crash in Los Angeles when his Tesla Cybertruck hit a tree and fire hydrant, resulting in the vehicle catching fire.

• The 18-year-old, who is set to join the USC Trojans and is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, was initially in a serious condition and placed in a medically induced coma.

• Despite the severity of the crash, Arenas did not suffer major injuries and has been showing significant signs of recovery, with expectations of hospital discharge soon.

• Emergency responders arrived soon after the crash, and Arenas was taken to the hospital in stable condition. Initial reports suggest no broken bones were found.

• Footage from the aftermath showed the Cybertruck engulfed in flames and water flooding the scene, but a group of bystanders managed to rescue Arenas from the vehicle.

• The Arenas family publicly thanked those who assisted in the rescue, and upon regaining consciousness, Alijah Arenas expressed concern for the safety of others involved.

• The incident has drawn attention due to Arenas' status as a top basketball recruit and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the crash and his subsequent recovery.

• USC Trojans' commit Alijah Arenas was involved in a serious car crash Thursday morning, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

• Arenas, the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, is one of the top recruits in the high school class of 2025. He recently appeared in the McDonald's All American Game and is set to enroll at Southern California this summer.

• Here are the latest updates on Arenas following the crash.

• Alijah Arenas condition updates

  As of Monday, Alijah Arenas is "walking, talking, progressing, doing very well — should be released from the hospital very soon, no major injuries as a result of the car accident," per Gil's Arena host Josiah Johnson.

• Arenas came out of his medically induced coma on Friday morning, per Charania, showing "significant signs of progress" in the last 24 hours. He remains intubated in the hospital.

• Additionally, the family said that when he woke up, Arenas remembered the crash and wrote to ask "Did anyone get hurt?"

• Emergency responders reportedly arrived on the scene around 4:55 a.m. on Thursday morning, and reports say "an approximately 18-year-old was taken to the hospital in 'serious condition.'" 

• Initial tests show that Arenas did not suffer broken bones, according to the ESPN report.

• Alijah Arenas car crash updates

  Arenas crashed his Tesla Cybertuck Thursday morning, according to a TMZ report, which added that "the luxury vehicle was completely mangled on the side of the road of a Los Angeles neighborhood based on images we have viewed."

• TMZ added that the front of the vehicle was in flames.

• Charania reports that the accident happened early Thursday morning when his Cybertruck crashed into a tree/fire hydrant with fire involved. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the driver was out of the vehicle and was transported to the hospital.

• According to Ryan Kartje of the LA Times, the crash occured when a Cybertruck hit a tree and a fire hyrdrant. Additionally, the LAPD described Arenas as being in "stable condition."

• The car accident this morning involving incoming USC recruit Alijah Arenas occurred when the Cybertruck he was driving struck a fire hydrant and tree.
  
  Arenas was taken to the hospital in “stable condition”, per the LAPD pic.twitter.com/ERqoeNMhnt

• — Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) April 24, 2025 Arenas' mother, Laura Govan, posted to Instagram saying she needs prayers.

• TMZ released footage from the aftermath of the crash, where Arenas' Cybertruck was on fire after crashing into a tree and fire hydrant. Water from the hydrant continued pouring out into the surrounding area, and Arenas was seen laying on the ground in the water.

• The Arenas family thanked a crew of bystanders for helping rescue Arenas from the burning car in a statement released to the public on Friday. Per one account, Arenas banged on the car window as smoke poured through the cockpit. A team of civilians helped bend the windows just enough to create space to pull Arenas out of the blaze.

• What is an induced coma?

  An induced coma is a temporary coma, or deep state of unconsciousness, used to protect the brain from swelling after injury, and allow the body to heal, per WebMD.

• In this state, the patient is given a controlled dose of an anesthetic, which causes a lack of feeling or awareness. Their vitals are then closely monitored by doctors and care providers in an intensive care unit (ICU).

• How old is Alijah Arenas?

  Arenas is 18 years old. He was born on March 16, 2007 and recently celebrated his 18th birthday.

• Arenas attends Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, California, and is based in the Los Angeles region.

• Gilbert Arenas kids

  Alijah is the second oldest of Arenas' five children. 

• • Daughter: Izela Arenas (born 2006)
  • Son: Alijah Arenas (born 2007)
  • Daughter: Hamiley Arenas (born 2009)
  • Son: Aloni Arenas (born 2011)
  • Daughter: Gia Arenas (born 2014)
  This story will be updated.