Police are no longer investigating Anne Heche crash after she's declared 'legally dead'

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By stefan armitage

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The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that it is no longer investigating the devastating car crash that has resulted in Anne Heche being declared "legally dead".

On Friday, a representative for the 53-year-old actor confirmed that Heche has been pronounced "legally dead according to California law."

The actor's publicist, Holly Baird, also told The Hollywood Reporter that Heche's body will remain on life support for the time being in the hopes that her organs can be donated.

Heche sustained fatal injuries on August 5 when the vehicle she was driving collided at speed with a Mar Vista property.

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Credit: Sipa US / Alamy

Fortunately, the woman who was living in the house at the time sustained only minor injuries - but lost her home and many of her possessions in the subsequent fire.

The blaze caused by the crash took 59 firefighters over an hour to extinguish.

Following the incident, the LAPD revealed that it was investigating Heche for misdemeanor driving under the influence and hit-and-run. A warrant granting permission to draw Heche's blood had also been issued.

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Firefighters battle the Mar Vista blaze. Credit: GoFundMe

However, over the weekend the department has confirmed that its investigation will cease following the news that Heche is "legally dead".

"As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case,” the LAPD in a statement shared to PEOPLE.

"Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration," the statement added.

The woman who was living in the property at the time of the crash, Lynne Mishele, has also extended her condolences to Heche's family.

In a new video on her company's Instagram page, Mishele said: "The news of Anne Heche passing is devastating. Her family and her friends and her children, especially, really have suffered a great loss, and my heart goes out for them."

"This entire situation is just tragic and there really are just no words. I’m sending love to everyone involved," she added.

The property's owners, John and Jennifer Durand, launched a GoFundMe for Mishele in order to help her "rebuild" her life.

As of the writing, the fundraiser has received over $160,000 in donations.

Our thoughts continue to go out to Heche's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Image Press Agency / Alamy