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
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.
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.
