US comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has led a chorus of tributes following the death of her former girlfriend Anne Heche.
The 53-year-old actress was declared brain dead on Friday (local time) after she slipped into a coma following a severe car crash on August 5.
The pair dated for three years from 1997 to 2000 – shortly after DeGeneres came out as lesbian.
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“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres wrote on Twitter.
“I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.”
Shortly after the incident on Friday, DeGeneres was approached on the street and asked if she had spoken to Heche.
“No, have not. We’re not in touch with each other, so I wouldn’t know,” she said, as reported by Fox News.
Asked if she wanted to send her former girlfriend any well-wishes, DeGeneres simply responded: “Sure. I don’t want anyone to be hurt.”
The former Six Days, Seven Nights actress was in critical condition and hospitalized after crashing her car into a home in West Los Angeles.
A representative for her family told PEOPLE on Friday she is being kept on life support until she is determined as a match for organ donation.
“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother and a loyal friend,” a representative for her family said in a statement.
“Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact .”
Heche’s eldest son Homer, 20, said he has been left with a “deep, wordless sadness.”
“My brother Atlas and I lost our mum,” he told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.
“After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness.
“Hopefully my mum is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.”
The 20-year-old went on to acknowledge the outpouring of love from friends, families and fans of Heche.
“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family and fans made their hearts known to me,” he said.
“I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my dad, Coley, and my step mum Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest in Peace Mom, I love you.”
The 53-year-old’s ex James Tupper also posted an emotional tribute to the actress on Instagram.
The Canadian actor and father of Heche’s youngest son Atlas posted a sweet photo of Heche with the caption: “Love you forever” alongside a broken heart emoji.
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