Police said Thursday (US time) they were investigating whether Heche was driving under the influence at the time; a blood sample was taken and narcotics were found in his system, LAPD spokesman Jeff Lee said.
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Additional toxicology tests were being done, to clarify more clearly what was in his system, and whether the initial test was picking up the medication given at the hospital during treatment. These additional tests could take weeks to return a result.
Heche’s representatives issued a statement Thursday saying the actress had long wished to donate her organs and would remain on life support until a medical determination could be made about the viability of her organs.
Under California law, although life support remains on, Heche has been declared legally dead.
“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” the statement said.
“More than her extraordinary talent, she saw that spreading kindness and joy was her life’s work, especially moving the needle on acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and will be greatly missed in lack for its light”.
Heche is best known for roles in films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, Volcano and Six Days, Seven Nights. His television credits include the series Men in Trees and the daytime soap opera Another World, for which he won an Emmy Award.
He published a memoir, Call Me Crazy, in 2001, and starred in the Broadway productions of Proof and Twentieth Century. For the latter of these two, he received a Tony Award nomination.
Between 1997 and 2000, Heche had a romantic relationship with comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. She later had relationships with cameraman Coleman Laffoon and actor James Tupper.
Heche has two sons from his relationships with Laffoon and Tupper, Homer, 20, and Atlas, 13.
“During those six days, thousands of friends, family and fans poured their hearts out to me,” Homer said. “I’m grateful for their love, as well as the support of my dad Coley and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time.”
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