Aliya Arenas Shares Details of a Serious Car Accident

During a press conference on Tuesday, Aliya Arenas recounted the frightening incident that resulted in his medically induced coma.

The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and an incoming freshman for USC basketball, Arenas explained he was returning home from practice on April 24 when control of his vehicle faltered. His car crashed into a fire hydrant and then struck a tree.

“I switched lanes without thinking it through. I sensed something was off, and suddenly I couldn’t get back to the left lane,” the 18-year-old said. “I thought I should just pull over because another car was coming at me. There was a parked car to my right, so I accelerated to get out of the way.”

After the impact, Arenas described a confusing ordeal, where he drifted in and out of consciousness as flames engulfed his vehicle. Fortunately, two bystanders rushed to his aid, pulling him from the burning wreck before he was taken to the hospital.

“I just went into panic mode and started checking my surroundings. But, honestly, the fog made it hard to see anything outside the car,” he recalled.

Reflecting on the terrifying experience, Arenas acknowledged his responsibility for the accident. “I’m fully accountable for the crash—whether it was just me, another car, or a malfunction. I don’t wish this on anyone, including the people who design the cars. Ultimately, I take full responsibility,” he emphasized.

Arenas was discharged from the hospital about a week after the crash and noted he was feeling much better. “Honestly, I’m fine now. I feel like I’ve made significant progress, and I’m really eager to reconnect with my teammates. That’s what motivates me to keep moving forward,” he said.

“Getting out of the hospital was just the beginning. My focus shifted immediately to my team,” he added.