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Alijah Arenas update: USC commit returns home after terrifying car accident

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz05/02/25NickSchultz_7
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Five-Star SG Alijah Arenas (photo credit - Abigail Dollis/Statesman Journal/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Less than a week after a terrifying car accident sent him to the hospital, Alijah Arenas is back home. His father, Gilbert, posted a video of his return.

Arenas was placed in an induced coma after the crash, which occurred in the early morning hours April 24, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The USC commit was driving a Tesla Cybertruck and “inhaled a lot of smoke” after the vehicle caught on fire. The smoke inhalation was the reason for the induced coma and Arenas “suffered no major bodily injuries,” according to High School on SI.

Now, Arenas is home. His father shared the news via social media and thanked the first responders who were on the scene to save his son’s life.

“I want to thank Jose, Bryant, and Robert for saving Alijah – he can’t wait to meet you guys,” Gilbert Arenas wrote on X. “Truly grateful to everyone for the prayers, love, and support during his healing. Much love.

“Funny enough, Alijah told his boys way back: ‘If I’m ever in a coma, don’t bring flowers. Bust in rapping ‘I might swerve, bend that corner, woah’ by Gelo like it’s the national anthem.’ Because nothing screams perfect timing like saying ‘Swerve on that corner, woah’… right after you actually did. Into a tree. Into a hospital stay. WELCOME HOME.”

Arenas plays high school basketball at Chatsworth (Calif.) and is a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he is one of the only players ranked by all major recruiting media companies as a five star. He is the No. 12 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies.

Wednesday, Arenas was officially released from the hospital. His family told TMZ he still has a way to go in his recovery and getting ready for the road ahead.

“While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support,” the family said. “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.”