USC Recruit Alijah Arenas Hospitalized After Cybertruck Accident
Alijah Arenas, an esteemed basketball talent from Chatsworth High School and a major addition to USC’s upcoming recruiting class, was involved in a severe car accident early Thursday morning.
Details of the Accident
The incident happened around 4:56 a.m. near the intersection of Corbin Avenue and Blythe Street in Reseda, California. Arenas was driving a Tesla Cybertruck when the vehicle reportedly lost control, colliding with a fire hydrant and a tree.
Rescue teams extricated the 18-year-old from the wreckage, and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. According to LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes, preliminary investigations indicate that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the accident.
Current Condition
As per sources familiar with the situation, Arenas has been placed in a coma following the crash. ESPN’s Shams Charania was among the first to report details regarding the incident and Arenas’ condition. Witnesses noted that several hours after the accident, the Cybertruck, which had been towed away, ignited in flames, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Fire Hazard Mat due to hazardous materials involved.
Impact on Family and Community
Arenas is known not just for his athletic prowess but also as the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who promptly canceled a scheduled livestream episode of his online show following the news. His mother, Laura Govan, took to Instagram to request prayers for her son.
As a top-10 recruit in the national 2025 basketball class, Arenas previously led the Chatsworth High team to the CIF Division II state championship game. He concluded his high school career as the all-time City Section scoring leader with over 3,000 points and recently showcased his skills at the McDonald’s All-American game. His impressive resume includes choosing USC for his college basketball journey, turning down offers from renowned programs like Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky.
Official Response
At this time, the University of Southern California has refrained from commenting on the incident, citing that Arenas is still a prospective student and has yet to officially join the basketball program.
Community Observance
It’s noteworthy that Chatsworth High School had a scheduled day off on Thursday in observance of Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, highlighting the somber atmosphere surrounding the incident.