Anne Heche’s autopsy shows no signs of drug impairment before crash
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner reports that the final autopsy and toxicology report on Anne Heche confirmed the initial determination that the actress died of inhalation and thermal injuries and found “no evidence of impairment by illicit substances” at the time of her fatal car crash.
Toxicology results revealed benzoylecgonine, an inactive metabolite of cocaine, in Heche’s system, consistent with previous use. This information was gleaned from the coroner’s report, which was reviewed by EW. Heche’s earlier marijuana use was supported by the presence of cannabinoids in a urine sample, but not in a blood sample taken at the time of injury.
After the accident, Heche was taken to the hospital, where tests revealed the presence of fentanyl in her bloodstream. Heche was tested for alcohol and found to be alcohol-free.
When early tests revealed that Heche had opioids in her system, she was immediately placed under investigation and faced potential DUI charges. Medical intervention has been blamed for those.
Heche, who was 53 years old at the time of her death in August, was killed when her car crashed into a Los Angeles home, igniting a fire. She suffered burns to her face, neck, shoulder, chest, and upper limbs and was stuck in her car for around half an hour before emergency services were able to free her. The lack of oxygen in the car caused her brain to suffer hypoxic damage.
According to the coroner’s findings, Heche’s sternum was fractured, making it more difficult for her to maintain a good oxygen intake while suffering from smoke inhalation.
Even though Heche had been declared brain dead on August 11, she stayed on life support for a few more days so that the OneLegacy Foundation might identify a suitable organ donor. The DNA was matched, and on August 14th, Heche’s life support was turned off.
Accident-related legal issues involving Heche’s estate continue to be contentious. According to the court records, Lynne Mishele, who was almost seriously injured when Heche slammed into her house, is seeking at least $2 million in damages from Heche for negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and trespass.