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Heartbroken Laura Govan Asks For Prayers After Son Alijah Arenas’ Scary Car Accident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 4:17 PM ET

Alijah Arenas, the 18-year-old son of Gilbert Arenas, was involved in a car accident on Thursday morning in Los Angeles.

Arenas was placed in an induced coma, as ESPN's Shams Charania reported.

"According to a Los Angeles Fire Department public information officer, officials responded to a call at 4:55 a.m. after a Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree/fire hydrant with fire involved," Charania wrote. "Sources confirmed that Arenas was involved in the crash and told ESPN that initial tests showed he did not suffer broken bones."

Reactions were immediate from all corners of the basketball world, including Bryce James, the son of LeBron James. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese also sent her prayers to Alijah Arenas after news of the crash surfaced.

It's a very difficult situation for everybody involved, and Alijah Arenas' mother, Laura Govan, took to Instagram with a heartbreaking reaction.

"I need all you're (expletive) prayers," Govan wrote on Instagram with several praying hand emojis.

Arenas played at Chatsworth High School and helped lead them to back-to-back state final appearances, so there has been a lot of buzz as he finished his high school career.

Arenas reclassified from the Class of 2026 to the Class of 2025 and then committed to USC, so there are high hopes for him as he is set to begin his college basketball career with the Trojans.

The situation remains fluid, but the sports world has been quick to send their thoughts and prayers to Alijah Arenas and the family after the scary car accident.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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