Alijah Arenas Accident: What We Know About USC Star's Cybertruck Crash

Alijah Arenas, a top basketball recruit for the University of Southern California, was involved in a serious car accident on Thursday.The ContextArenas, who is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, goes to Chatsworth High School and was the "first high school boys basketball player in the Los Angeles area to reach 3,000 career points," the Associated Press reported.The talented athlete played in the Division II state championships, and earlier this month, was chosen for the McDonald's All-American Games—which features the top 48 high school basketball players in the United States.The 18-year-old committed to playing for the USC Trojans next season.What To KnowAlijah Arenas was driving a Tesla Cybertruck in the Los Angeles area when he crashed into a tree and fire hydrant.Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the teenager has been "hospitalized and placed into an induced coma," Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.According to Sports Illustrated's Tarek Fattal, he "suffered no major bodily injuries.""ALIJAH ARENAS UPDATE: Arenas was in an accident driving a Cybertruck. It caught on fire, and he inhaled a lot of smoke. According to sources, this was the reason for induced coma (protocol for smoke inhalation). Arenas suffered no major bodily injuries," Fattal wrote on X.Eyewitness Bryant Sandoval was woken up by the fiery crash, which occurred just before 5 a.m."I heard some banging coming from inside the car, so we knew someone was in there. Tried putting out the fire, didn't help. Tried smashing the back window on the driver's side, couldn't do it—couldn't figure out how to open the door," he told ABC7, noting he grabbed a fire extinguisher before leaving the house."Basically, just saw the driver's side window slightly ajar, so just pulled that down and he stuck his hand out. We grabbed it, pulled him out, and shortly afterward the fire department came."Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart confirmed Alijah Arenas was out of the vehicle when they arrived.What People Are SayingActor Billy Baldwin shared a photo of Arenas on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: "Prayers for a full recovery for Alijah Arenas."Former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson wrote on X: "Cookie and I are praying for a full recovery for Alijah Arenas following his car crash. We are also praying for the entire Arenas family, especially his dad Gilbert and mom Laura, during this difficult time."NFL alum Robert Griffin III said on X: "Prayers up for the son of Gilbert Arenas and 5 Star USC Basketball commit Alijah Arenas. He is in an induced coma after being injured in a car crash."USC men's basketball coach Eric Musselman posted a statement on X on Thursday: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning's accident. Please keep him, his teammates and friends, and the entire Arenas family in your prayers."Alijah Arenas' mother, Laura Govan, wrote via Instagram: "I need all youre [sic] f***en prayers."