A Shocking Dawn: Alijah Arenas Survives Catastrophic Crash

In an inspiring turn of events, Alijah Arenas, a promising basketball talent from USC and a rising star at Chatsworth High, has awakened from a coma following a harrowing crash involving his Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning. His family reported that he is displaying "significant signs of progress."

A Glimpse of Consciousness—Survival Instincts Kick In

Although still intubated, Alijah has opened his eyes and communicated by writing. In a heartwarming moment, he remembered the disaster, asking, "Did anyone get hurt?" This demonstrates not only his awareness but also the strength of his spirit as he recovers.

Details of the Crash: A Fight Against Flames

The crash occurred just before 5 a.m. in Reseda when Arenas lost control of his Cybertruck, colliding with a fire hydrant and a tree. The mangled wreck caught fire with Alijah trapped inside. Remarkably, brave bystanders rushed to his assistance, recounting how they heard banging noises emanating from the smoke-filled vehicle. One witness shared, "I tried to break the window, but it wouldn’t give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough to pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out."

A Community United in Support

Arenas' family hailed the courageous individuals who rescued him and credited Alijah's resilience as "nothing short of miraculous." A video from the crash scene captured the gravity of the situation, showing Alijah face down with water surrounding him as frantic voices called out for him to wake up.

Hospital Update: A Long Road Ahead

Once at the hospital, Alijah was stabilized and placed in a medically induced coma to treat severe smoke inhalation. Fortunately, law enforcement reports indicate that drug or alcohol use was not a contributing factor in the accident. Hours later, the wreckage still remained entangled around a tree, showcasing the intensity of the incident.

Support from Family and Fans

Family members, including his NBA father Gilbert Arenas, and other loved ones remain by his side at the hospital. They expressed gratitude for the medical team’s exceptional care and asked for public prayers and support as Alijah fights for a full recovery.

A Rising Star with a Bright Future

Alijah Arenas, ranked as a top-10 prospect and the centerpiece of USC’s 2025 recruiting class, has an impressive record, having led Chatsworth to the CIF state championship while becoming the City Section's all-time leading scorer with over 3,000 points. Coach Eric Musselman commented on the incident, urging the community to keep Alijah and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

A Day of Remembrance and Reflection

In a poignant coincidence, Chatsworth students observed a day off from school on Thursday for Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, providing a moment for the community to come together to reflect and support Alijah during this challenging time.