Alijah Arenas, the promising young basketball phenom and son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, made headlines around the world after a terrifying car accident in Los Angeles that almost cost him his life. The shocking incident not only impacted his budding basketball career but also brought both fans and family into a nationwide conversation about resilience, safety, and recovery.
What Happened to Alijah Arenas? – The Crash Explained
In the early hours of April 24, 2025, Alijah Arenas, then 18 and committed to play basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), was involved in a serious single-car crash in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
According to reports, Arenas was driving a Tesla Cybertruck when the vehicle suddenly lost control, veering off the road and crashing into a tree and a fire hydrant. The impact caused the truck to catch fire, trapping Alijah inside the smoke-filled cabin. Bystanders brave enough to intervene heard banging from inside the truck and eventually managed to pry open a slightly cracked window to pull him out moments before the flames intensified.
While the exact mechanical cause remains under investigation, his father, Gilbert Arenas, explained on a podcast that the steering wheel reportedly “went limp” prior to the crash and that Alijah was on the phone with 911 while the vehicle burned around him.
In the Hospital: Smoke Inhalation and Medically Induced Coma
After being rescued from the fiery wreck, Alijah was rushed to a hospital and placed into a medically induced coma as a precaution due to severe smoke inhalation. Doctors implemented this strategy to help protect his lungs and breathing, a common protocol when significant amounts of smoke are inhaled.
Remarkably, even though the truck was extensively damaged, Arenas did not suffer major broken bones or life-threatening physical injuries. His primary risks stemmed from the smoke and the potential lung damage associated with being trapped inside a burning vehicle.
Mom & Dad: Family’s Support Through the Ordeal
Throughout Alijah’s recovery, his mother, Laura Govan, and father, Gilbert Arenas, stayed by his side, expressing both gratitude and relief that their son survived such a harrowing event. The family issued statements thanking the first responders, rescuer bystanders, and the medical team for their critical roles in saving Alijah’s life.
Gilbert Arenas, reflecting on the crash, admitted that the situation was every parent’s worst nightmare. He spoke openly about his fear and relief, emphasizing his son’s resilience and strength in the face of near-tragedy.
Alijah’s Recovery Journey
Just days after the accident, Alijah showed encouraging signs of recovery. He was taken out of the induced coma, began walking and talking, and walked out of the hospital supported by his family and medical team. Reports confirmed that although he still had a journey ahead for full recovery, he remained in high spirits and showed no major physical injuries from the crash.
At one point after awakening, Alijah’s first concern was whether anyone else was hurt in the crash, highlighting not only his physical resilience but his considerate character under extreme stress.
Future Outlook: Basketball & Beyond
Despite the severity of the incident, Alijah has returned to the spotlight, continuing his athletic journey. His remarkable recovery brought fans and experts alike together in admiration of his courage. In January 2026, he made his college basketball debut for USC, months after the crash — a testament to his determination to push forward despite adversity.
While some questions about the accident’s exact cause — particularly regarding the Tesla Cybertruck’s performance — persist, the primary focus remains on Alijah’s health, safety, and future career.
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