Alijah Arenas, a top-ranked USC basketball recruit and the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and reality TV star Laura Govan, has been released from the hospital less than a week after a fiery single-car crash in Los Angeles, his family confirmed in a statement shared with ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch,” the Arenas and Govan families said. “While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support.”
Alijah, 18, was driving a Tesla Cybertruck early last Thursday in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley when the vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree and fire hydrant, according to the L.A. Fire Department. Video captured flames shooting from the front of the truck as bystanders worked to rescue him while water sprayed from the damaged hydrant.
He was hospitalized and placed in an induced coma due to smoke inhalation. On his podcast, Gilbert Arenas later shared that his son had been taken out of the coma and miraculously had no major physical injuries.
The family did not disclose an official cause for the crash but requested privacy as they focus on Alijah’s healing. “He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits,” they added.
Alijah Arenas is currently ranked No. 13 in the class of 2025 after reclassifying late last year. He committed to USC in January and recently helped lead Chatsworth High School to the Division II state championship game. He also became the first high school boys’ basketball player in Los Angeles to reach 3,000 career points.
