Anne Heche's death ruled an 'accident': coroner

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Anne Heche car crash 911 audio

Newly obtained 911 audio reveals the chaotic moments after Anne Heche crashed her car into a Mar Vista home.

Anne Heche's death has been ruled an accident, according to a report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. 

The 53-year-old actress died of "inhalation and thermal injuries," and the manner of death was listed as an "accident."

The report also listed a "sternal fracture due to blunt trauma" under "other significant conditions."

Her death was listed on the coroner's report as Thursday, Aug. 11.

ANNE HECHE CAR CRASH: 911 CALL REVEALS NEIGHBOR'S PANIC AFTER ACTRESS SLAMMED INTO HOME

Anne Heche's (seen in 2010) manner of death was ruled an accident. The actress was removed from life support on Sunday and died at the age of 53. (Jeff Kravitz)

Heche's place of death was listed at a "hospital" and Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Ukpo was recorded presiding over the autopsy.

Only one of five manners of death can be listed on a coroner's report: homicide, suicide, natural, accident or undetermined.

California state law (Government Code 27491) requires the medical examiner-coroner to investigate all sudden deaths related to suicide, homicide or accident, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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According to the National Library of Medicine, "Sternal fractures are the result of motor vehicle collisions in 60% to 90% of cases."

Anne Heche's death was ruled an accident Wednesday nearly two weeks after fiery collision. She is shown in 2019. (Michael Kovac)

The fractures are "slightly more prevalent in females than males," and typically result during a collision when the chest strikes a steering wheel, especially in older vehicles without airbags.

Thermal burns are described by the National Library as "skin injuries caused by excessive heat, typically from contact with hot surfaces, hot liquids, steam, or flame."

Additionally, "approximately 3,400 patients die from burns or related complications such as smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning, organ failure, or infection."

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Major burn injuries designated by the American Burn Association cover "more than 25% of total body surface area in adults," burns involving more than 10% TBSA (total body surface area), burns to "the face, perineum, or extremities" or if there are "significant cosmetic impairments."

In overhead video captured from the Aug. 5 scene moments after the collision, Heche was wheeled out from the burning home on a stretcher by firefighters with a white protective sheet covering her body.

James Tupper and Anne Heche dated for 11 years after meeting on "Men in Trees." They have one son, Atlas. (Todd Williamson)

Just as they reached the ambulance, she abruptly sat up for a moment before entering the emergency medical vehicle. Following the crash, her rep confirmed Heche never "regained consciousness since shortly after the accident."

Heche suffered a "severe anoxic brain injury" and remained "in a coma" under medical care at the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills for the opportunity to donate her organs through the OneLegacy Foundation. 

"It has long been her choice to donate her organs, and she's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable," her representative confirmed last week.

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The New York Times Bestselling author was "peacefully taken off life support" on Sunday, Aug. 14, after being declared brain dead two days earlier. She is survived by her son, Homer, with ex-husband Coley Laffoon, and son Atlas with her former partner, James Tupper.

LAPD dismissed the investigation into the car crash following her death.

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Fire damage was shown throughout the home as authorities inspected the dwelling after the crash. (Lynne Mishele)

"As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case," Officer Norma Eisenman told Fox News Digital on Friday.

"Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration."

Heche found small-screen success on soap operas in the ‘80s and portrayed twins on "Another World," which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award and two Soap Opera Digest Awards. She rose to fame in the late ‘90s for her starring roles alongside Johnny Depp in "Donnie Brasco," with Harrison Ford in "Six Days, Seven Nights" and in Gus Van Sant’s remake of "Psycho."

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