Last week, Alijah Arenas, the 18-year-old son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and a five-star basketball recruit committed to USC, experienced a terrifying car accident that could have ended in tragedy. On April 25, while driving his Tesla Cybertruck back from a gym session in the San Fernando Valley, Alijah lost control and crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree at 4:55 a.m. The vehicle burst into flames, and Alijah inhaled a significant amount of smoke, causing doctors to put him in a medically induced coma. After several days in the hospital, he was released on Wednesday, April 30, and is now recovering at home. Fortunately, he suffered no major physical injuries, although the smoke inhalation posed a serious threat to his health during those critical early hours.
Shocking Footage Reveals the Crash’s Intensity
A newly released video, captured by a Swann security camera near the crash site in Reseda, shows the harrowing moment Alijah’s Cybertruck slammed into a tree and burst into flames almost instantly. The footage, obtained by TMZ Sports, paints a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued. Good Samaritans nearby acted quickly to pull Alijah from the burning vehicle before the situation turned deadly. Authorities have ruled out drugs and alcohol as factors, but they believe excessive speed likely caused Alijah to lose control, sending the electric truck careening into obstacles.
Gilbert Arenas expressed deep gratitude to the three individuals who saved his son’s life – Jose, Bryant and Robert – saying, “He can’t wait to meet you guys. I am truly grateful to everyone for the prayers, love and support during his recovery.
A Family’s Relief and a Community’s Support
The Arenas family shared their relief in a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, noting that Alijah is “resting comfortably under close supervision” and that his “spirit remains strong. They asked for privacy and continued prayers as he heals from the traumatic ordeal. Alijah, the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, is the top shooting guard and second-highest rated player in California.
He committed to USC on January 30, choosing the Trojans over offers from powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona and Louisville. The basketball world rallied around him after the accident, with fans and peers sending messages of support during his hospital stay, a testament to his promising future on the court.
It appears that Alijah will avoid any serious long-term consequences, and with proper rehabilitation, he should return to full strength soon. This near-fatal accident is a sobering lesson for the young star – it could have easily ended in disaster, reminding him and others to prioritize safety behind the wheel.
As for his father, Gilbert Arenas had a storied NBA career, playing 11 seasons for teams including the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies. Known for his scoring prowess, he averaged 20.7 points per game, with a career-high 60-point game in 2006, and earned three All-Star nods. Alijah’s brush with danger underscores how fragile life can be, but his recovery offers hope for a bright future in basketball, carrying on his father’s legacy.
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