USC Basketball Star in Critical Condition

In a shocking turn of events early Thursday morning, Alijah Arenas, the standout player from Chatsworth High and a highly anticipated recruit for USC's basketball team, was involved in a severe accident while driving a Tesla Cybertruck. Sources close to the situation confirmed the news, but details were initially kept under wraps.

The Accident Details

At approximately 4:56 a.m., the Cybertruck lost control at the intersection of Corbin Avenue and Blythe Street in Reseda. It collided vigorously with a fire hydrant and a tree, leading to a catastrophic wreck. Emergency responders arrived quickly, extracting the 18-year-old from the mangled vehicle and rushing him to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, he was reported stable upon arrival, though the situation took a dire turn as he was subsequently placed in a coma.

No Drugs or Alcohol Involved

Initial investigations by the LAPD revealed that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the tragic accident.

From Bad to Worse: Flames Ignite at Tow Yard

Hours after the crash, the Cybertruck was towed away, only to ignite and catch fire at the tow yard. Emergency crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department had to respond to manage the hazardous materials situation.

A Family in Distress

Alijah Arenas is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. In light of the accident, Gilbert canceled plans for his online show, while Alijah's mother, Laura Govan, took to Instagram to request prayers for her son.

A Star on the Rise

This heartbreaking incident comes as Alijah was making waves in the basketball arena. A top-10 recruit in the 2025 class, he led Chatsworth High to the CIF Division II state championship game only a few months ago and boasts the record as the all-time City Section scoring leader with over 3,000 points. He had recently participated in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game.

A Bright Future Ahead?

As a promising future awaited him at USC, where he chose the Trojans over powerhouse programs like Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky, the basketball world now holds its breath as Alijah fights for his life.

Community Observes Tragedy Amid Memorial Day

In a time of reflection, Chatsworth High students observed a day off from classes on Thursday in memory of Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, amplifying the grieving sentiment in the community.