USC Recruit Alijah Arenas Awakens from Coma After Tesla Crash
In a promising update that has stirred hope across the basketball community, Alijah Arenas, a top high school basketball recruit committed to the University of Southern California (USC), has regained consciousness following a devastating car accident. His family confirmed the development in an official statement released Friday, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 18-year-old rising star had been placed in a medically induced coma after a severe crash in the early hours of Thursday morning. According to authorities, Arenas was driving a Tesla Cybertruck when the vehicle veered off the road around 4:56 a.m., striking both a fire hydrant and a tree. The impact caused the car to ignite, trapping him inside.
“Alijah has shown substantial improvement over the last 24 hours,” his family noted. “He is now out of his coma and continues to fight courageously. Although he remains intubated, this is an incredibly positive sign in his recovery journey.”
Eyewitness accounts describe the dramatic rescue effort. One bystander recalled hearing banging from inside the smoke-filled truck. “I couldn’t see anything at first because the smoke was too thick,” the rescuer said. “But then I heard the noise again and realized someone was inside. We saw a cracked window and used everything we could to pry it open and pull him out.”
Miraculously, despite the intensity of the fire and the dramatic nature of the crash, Arenas sustained no significant physical injuries. However, due to smoke inhalation, doctors made the decision to place him in a coma to protect his lungs and promote healing, according to Sports Illustrated’s Tarek Fattal.
After regaining consciousness, Arenas reportedly communicated by writing on a piece of paper, asking first if anyone else had been injured in the crash — a powerful reflection of his awareness and character.
In a concerning development, the Tesla Cybertruck involved in the accident reportedly burst into flames again after being moved to a tow yard, raising questions about the vehicle's safety systems under extreme conditions.
Alijah Arenas is not only recognized for his athletic prowess but also for his notable lineage. He is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, and he has carved out his own name in the sport. Ranked as the No. 13 overall high school prospect by ESPN and the No. 3 shooting guard in the class of 2025, he represents the first five-star recruit to join USC under new head coach Eric Musselman.
As the USC basketball program and the wider sports world rally around Arenas and his family, fans continue to express their support and prayers for a full recovery. His resilience and strength are now as evident off the court as they are during gameplay.