Alijah Arenas, an 18-year-old basketball star committed to the University of Southern California (USC), is in a coma following a severe car crash in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
According to LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes, the accident occurred at 4:56 a.m. when a Tesla Cybertruck struck a fire hydrant and a tree near Corbin Avenue and Blythe Street in Reseda.
The crash left the Cybertruck heavily damaged, with shattered windows and a crumpled frame wrapped around a tree.
#AlijahArenas rolled on the ground in a huge puddle of water just moments after he was ripped from a burning Tesla Cybertruck … video, obtained by #TMZSports, shows.
FULL STORY HERE ➡️ https://t.co/GcT7NlkK9w pic.twitter.com/W1JoyjkbTj
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) April 24, 2025Video footage obtained by TMZ showed bystanders attempting to assist Arenas, lying face down in the street, before briefly trying to stand. A source close to the incident confirmed Arenas is in a coma, and authorities do not suspect drugs or alcohol as factors. The driver was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. Later, the vehicle caught fire at a tow yard, prompting a response from Los Angeles hazardous materials teams.
Arenas, ranked among the top 10 national basketball recruits, recently led Chatsworth High School to the CIF Division II state championship game and competed in the McDonald’s All-American game. He committed to USC in January 2025, choosing the Trojans over Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky. USC head coach Eric Musselman expressed support, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning’s accident.”
5⭐️ USC commit Alijah Arenas has been placed into a medically induced coma after getting into a serious car crash this morning.
Prayers 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4DMnwdNiK1
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) April 24, 2025Alijah is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and reality TV personality Laura Govan. Following the crash, Govan requested prayers via Instagram, while Gilbert cancelled a planned online broadcast. The basketball community and fans have rallied around the family, sharing messages of hope and support.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash. As Arenas fights for recovery, his talent and potential continue to inspire.
