Alijah Arenas released from hospital, on road to full recovery, family says

Top USC basketball recruit Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably, his family announced in a statement Wednesday.

Arenas lost control of his Tesla Cybertruck just before 5 a.m. Thursday as he was returning from the gym, according to Josiah Johnson, who co-hosts the “Gil’s Arena” podcast with Arenas’ father, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. The car struck a fire hydrant and a tree on Corbin Avenue in Reseda and caught fire with Arenas inside. The player’s family said in a statement released Friday that “brave individuals” helped rescue Arenas from the burning vehicle. One told the family that they heard “banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick.” But onlookers were able to pull him out of the car.

Arenas reportedly lost control of his Cybertruck in Reseda on the way home from the gym and struck a hydrant and a tree.

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Arenas was joined at the hospital by his father; mother, Laura Govan; siblings; and extended family.

“While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support,” the family’s statement released Wednesday read. “The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100%. He remains blessed, resilient and in high spirits. The family continues to ask for privacy during this time as they focus fully on Alijah’s healing and well-being. We thank everyone for the continued prayers, encouragement, and outpouring support.”

Arenas was deemed “stable” at the scene, according to LAPD officer Rosario Cervantes. Drugs and alcohol were not suspected to be a factor in the crash, a source with knowledge of the investigation not authorized to discuss it publicly told The Times.

USC Sports

Alijah Arenas ‘doing much better’ but remains hospitalized after Cybertruck crash

USC recruit and Chatsworth basketball star Alijah Arenas is still recovering after crashing his Tesla Cybertruck into a fire hydrant and tree last week.

April 28, 2025

At the hospital, Arenas was placed in an induced coma “as a result of smoke inhalation,” according to Johnson. He said Arenas sustained no major injuries in the single-car accident.

Arenas, a top-10 prospect nationally and a key member of USC’s 2025 recruiting class, led Chatsworth to the CIF state championship game last month. He leaves the school as the City Section’s all-time leading scorer, with more than 3,000 points. Arenas was expected to play a significant role for the Trojans next season as a freshman.

Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.