Gilbert Arenas Details Son’s Harrowing Cybertruck Crash and Recovery

Former NBA standout Gilbert Arenas has publicly addressed the terrifying ordeal involving his son, Alijah Arenas, a highly-touted basketball recruit committed to the University of Southern California (USC). Alijah was involved in a significant car accident last month that resulted in a brief coma and a frantic rescue from a burning vehicle. The elder Arenas shared details of the incident and Alijah’s subsequent recovery in an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show."

The incident occurred in Los Angeles while Alijah was driving his Cybertruck. Returning from an early morning workout at the gym, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fiery crash. The details of what caused Alijah to lose control remain unclear, but the aftermath left him trapped within the wreckage.

Alijah was released from the hospital a mere six days after the crash, a testament to his resilience and, as Gilbert Arenas believes, the presence of guardian angels. The former Washington Wizards guard expressed immense relief that his son escaped the accident without any major, long-term injuries. “He’s doing very well,” Arenas told Patrick. “He had some angels with him that morning, so glad he’s fully recovering. Didn’t have any major injuries, that’s all you can pray for.”

Arenas revealed that he typically monitors his son’s whereabouts using the Tesla app, frequently checking to see if Alijah is at the gym or en route home during the early morning hours. On the morning of the crash, however, he assumed Alijah was at the gym until his daughter informed him of the accident. This highlights the reliance parents sometimes place on technology to stay connected with their children, and the shock that can ensue when those expectations are disrupted by unforeseen events.

The most harrowing aspect of the ordeal was the fact that Alijah was trapped inside the burning Cybertruck for approximately twelve minutes. Gilbert Arenas emphasized his primary concern upon learning of the crash: ensuring his son had not suffered any broken limbs or burns. Miraculously, Alijah avoided both, a fact Arenas attributes to the quick thinking and bravery of bystanders who heard the crash and rushed to his aid.

“My thing was making sure there were no broken limbs, there were no burns,” Arenas told Patrick. “Lucky for him, trapped inside of a car for so long, it’s lucky there were bystanders that heard the crash that early in the morning that got him out.”

The quick actions of these Good Samaritans proved crucial. Alijah, upon being extracted from the vehicle, was reportedly agitated and struggling to breathe due to smoke inhalation. Medical personnel made the decision to place him in an induced coma to facilitate the clearing of his lungs.

“He was a little stronger than they thought. He was waking up going crazy, so they put him in an induced coma just to get the air. … They were getting the smoke and all of that out of his [lungs]. I guess he was in the car, it looked like about 10, 12 minutes. … Just inhaling that.”

The severity of the situation underscores the inherent dangers of car accidents, and how quickly circumstances can escalate. The fact that Alijah inhaled smoke for such an extended period could have had devastating consequences, making the bystanders’ intervention even more significant.

Alijah Arenas is a celebrated young basketball player who committed to USC in January. He attended Chatsworth High School, where he distinguished himself as a five-star recruit. He achieved the notable milestone of becoming the first boys player in the region to surpass 3,000 career points, solidifying his reputation as a promising talent within the basketball community. His athletic accomplishments add another layer of concern to the accident, as a serious injury could have jeopardized his promising career.

Gilbert Arenas’s account provides a glimpse into the anxieties and fears that parents experience when their children face life-threatening situations. His relief that Alijah escaped with relatively minor injuries is palpable, and his gratitude towards the bystanders who rescued his son is undeniable. The story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis.

The incident also prompts consideration of vehicle safety and the potential risks associated with certain types of accidents. While the specific cause of the crash remains under investigation, the fact that the Cybertruck caught fire and trapped Alijah inside raises questions about vehicle design and emergency response protocols. Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident may lead to improved safety measures and preventative strategies.

As Alijah Arenas continues his recovery, the basketball world and the broader community offer their support and well wishes. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration, and his story highlights the power of hope and the importance of cherishing each moment. The entire ordeal underscores the profound bond between a father and son, and the unwavering love that can sustain families through even the most challenging circumstances. The focus now remains on Alijah’s full recovery and his future endeavors on the basketball court.