A Star's Descent Into Darkness

Alijah Arenas, a rising basketball star and prized recruit for USC, found himself in a life-altering situation following a catastrophic accident. The 18-year-old was involved in a serious crash while driving a Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning in Reseda.

The Crash Scene: A Frightening Moment

At approximately 4:56 a.m., Alijah lost control of the Cybertruck near Corbin Avenue and Blythe Street. The vehicle collided violently with a fire hydrant and a tree, leaving the young athlete trapped in the wreckage. Fortunately, first responders were able to extract him, and he was rushed to the hospital where he was reported as stable.

Eye-opening footage captured right after the collision shows a water-spewing fire hydrant dousing the mangled Cybertruck. In a chilling moment, bystanders can be heard urging Alijah to 'wake up' as he struggles to rise, lying face down in the remnants of the accident.

A Shocking Aftermath

Images later surfaced, revealing the gruesome aftermath: the Cybertruck was wrapped around a tree, with shattered windows and debris scattered across the scene. Even more alarming, just hours after the incident, the vehicle ignited in flames at a tow yard, prompting a hazardous materials response from Los Angeles Fire Hazard Mat.

A Family's Heartbreak

Alijah is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who has since canceled his streaming plans to focus on his family during this critical time. His mother, Laura Govan, turned to social media to rally support, fervently requesting "all your prayers" for her son and the family.

The Rise of a Basketball Phenom

Alijah wasn’t just a recruit; he was a standout player, leading Chatsworth High to the CIF Division II state championship. He set a monumental record as the all-time City Section scoring leader, with over 3,000 points, and graced the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game. The Trojans eagerly anticipated his impact this coming season, having chosen USC over elite schools like Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky.

Support from the Basketball Community

USC coach Eric Musselman expressed his anguish and support in a heartfelt social media post, encouraging everyone to keep Alijah and his loved ones in their thoughts. As this tragedy unfolds, the entire basketball community stands in solidarity with the Arenas family.

A Community in Mourning

In light of this catastrophe, Chatsworth High students observed a school closure on Thursday to commemorate Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, further adding to the weight of an already somber atmosphere.