Chatsworth basketball star and USC commit Alijah Arenas’ health continues to improve in the days since he was involved in a serious single-car accident.
An update was provided on the show “Gil’s Arena,” which is hosted by Arenas’ father and former NBA star Gilbert Arenas.
“Happy to announce that Alijah is doing much better,” show producer Josiah Johnson said. “I just got off the phone with Gil about five minutes ago. Alijah is doing better — walking, talking, progressing very well and should be released from the hospital very soon.”
Johnson also said that Arenas was on his way to the gym and lost control of a Tesla Cybertruck in the accident, which occurred early on Thursday morning. He was placed in a medically induced coma as a precaution due to smoke inhalation, but otherwise had no major injuries.
Arenas, a McDonald’s All-American and CIF State Regional champion with Chatsworth, came out of the coma on Friday.
“We appreciate everyone that was sending prayers to Gil and the family,” Johnson said. “We want to continue to send those prayers out and, like I said, Alijah should be out of the hospital very soon.”
Chatsworth Charter High School released a statement in support of his recovery.
“On behalf of our entire Chatsworth Charter High School family, we send our heartfelt thoughts and well wishes to the student and their family during this difficult time,” the school said. “We know how deeply situations like this can affect our school community, especially those who know the student personally.”
The statement also encouraged any student who needs to talk to someone as their classmate recovers to see an on-campus counselor, teacher or staff member they trust. The Los Angeles Unified Mental Health Hotline is also available at 213-241-3840 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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