LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Anne Heche is being remembered by her loved ones a year after her death. In a tragic accident, the actress crashed her car into a Los Angeles home on August 5 last year. Her death was ruled as an accident and it was stated that she died of "smoke inhalation and sternal fracture due to blunt trauma."
Heche’s close friend and 'Better Together With Anne & Heather' podcast co-host, Heather Duffy marked her first death anniversary by reflecting on her powerful personality. Duffy told People Magazine that it is “hard to believe it has been a year since Anne left this world.”
What did Heather Duffy say about Anne Heche?
“In some ways, it’s more difficult now because we miss her even more,” Duffy said. “It’s not an anniversary I want to celebrate, but it is an opportunity to shine a light on her life and her impact on this world, her industry, and the lives of the people who loved her.”
While recalling the moments she spent with Heche, Duffy credited the Daytime Emmy Award winner for being a trailblazer after speaking out about her sexuality. “Her contribution to the LGBTQ+ community is a legacy that will last forever, and our world will forever be more accepting because she stood in her truth when it was not popular to do so," she said.
“We are doing our best to live as she would have wanted us to — in love and kindness, finding fun in the small moments, working hard, being open and honest, and always accepting of others,” she added.
What are Anne Heche's sons doing after her death?
Duffy also noted that Heche's sons, Homer Laffoon, 21, and Atlas Tupper, 14, are “loved and supported by friends and family and have begun embodying an impressive characteristic that was a big part of Anne – her work ethic.”
“Homer is successfully starting his professional life and working very hard. Atlas is about to enter high school, and is focusing on his tennis training at a very high level,” she shared.
The podcast host also said she and Heche's loved ones hope that the late actress will continue to be “remembered in the way she lived, as a kind and gentle soul, a mother, a friend, an incredible talent, and a free spirit who is finally free. But still watching over all of us with her love and guidance."
According to a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Heche was not under drugs when the car accident occurred. The actress was hospitalized and in a coma for almost a week when she was declared legally dead on August 12. She was removed from life support on August 14 after she removed her organs.
"Today we lost a bright light, a kind, and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," a representative for the celebrity told the outlet at that time. "Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy."
The rep continued, "Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."
