Family Of Alijah Arenas Releases Statement On His Status

Alijah Arenas continues to take steps in his recovery from last week's frightening car crash.

Arenas, 18, was driving his father's Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning when he crashed it into a tree. The five-star USC basketball commit had to be pulled out of the vehicle, which caught fire. Because of the amount of smoke he inhaled, Arenas was placed in a medically-induced coma at the hospital to allow his lungs to heal.

Thankfully, the son of the former NBA All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas awoke from the coma Friday and began to show signs of improvement. He's still making progress, according to a new statement from his family on Monday. 

"Although Alijah has shown significant improvement following the traumatic experience, he still has a long road to full recovery due to severe smoke inhalation," the statement said, via TMZ. 

"He was able to walk on his own and speak with his mother, Laura Govan, and his father, Gilbert Arenas, by his side. Alijah remains hospitalized under close observation, with additional testing still underway. The families continue to ask for privacy and ongoing prayers during this critical time."