USC basketball's Alijah Arenas details escape from burning Cybertruck
Share and Follow

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Incoming USC basketball player Alijah Arenas has detailed what led up to the fiery Tesla Cybertruck crash that put him in a coma in April.

Arenas, a five-star recruit who is now a freshman for the Trojans, crashed his Cybertruck into a tree and fire hydrant in the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles in the early hours of April 24.

The 18-year-old Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, wasn’t seriously hurt, but he did reportedly inhale a great deal of smoke from the resulting car fire, and doctors put him into a medically induced coma.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Arenas said the first problem he noted was that “the wheel wasn’t moving as easily as it should,” video shared by L.A. Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje shows.

The steering was troublesome, so Arenas tried to pull off the road and park in a neighborhood, only to find “I can’t stop,” Arenas told the media.

“The wheel’s not responding to me, as if I’m not physically in there,” said Arenas.

After that, “all I felt was pressure,” he said.

Alijah Arenas poses during a photo shoot at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge on March 28, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Arenas said, based on video he had seen, that the car “caught fire on impact,” but he was knocked out for about three minutes.

In a longer video shared by InsideTroy, Arenas said he “had my seatbelt on, thank God,” preventing further injury, although the fire had consumed the dashboard.

The car was locked, rendering him unable to escape, so he said he moved to the back seat and worked on breaking out a window as he floated in and out of consciousness.

Luckily, someone outside the vehicle was also trying to free him, and he was able to keep himself conscious and get out of the vehicle before passing out again. Outside of a few moments of awareness, he said he didn’t become fully conscious again until he was at the hospital.

“At the same time I was working, they were working too,” Arenas said. “It took a lot for them, and I’m grateful for everybody who helped; I’m grateful for everybody’s prayers, that’s first and foremost.”

Arenas also took full responsibility for the crash, People reported.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with federal officers in Minneapolis 11 days before his death

Newly Released Footage Reveals Altercation Between Alex Pretti and Federal Officers in Minneapolis Days Before His Death

Recently surfaced videos have reignited discussions surrounding the tragic demise of Pretti,…
White House border czar Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple Federal building on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump’s Border Czar Signals Potential Reduction in Minnesota Forces Following Promised Cooperation

In Minneapolis, President Donald Trump’s border chief, Tom Homan, announced on Thursday…
Chicago AccuWeather forecast: Next chance for snow on Friday with lake-effect making for messy commute, including Indiana Friday

Lake-Effect Snowstorm Set to Disrupt Chicago and Indiana Commute This Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7’s team of meteorologists is monitoring an upcoming bout…
Texas Roadhouse diners reveal chain's tipping trick and how to beat it

Texas Roadhouse Patrons Uncover Tipping Strategy and Share Tips on How to Navigate It

Texas Roadhouse patrons are bracing for a tipping controversy. The renowned steakhouse…
VMI cadets fight back as Virginia Democrats threaten to close historic military college

VMI Cadets Rally as Virginia Democrats Propose Closure of Historic Military Institution

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) cadets have rallied in defense of their storied…
Democrat rising star caught on tape making vulgar remark

Democratic Rising Star’s Controversial Comment Captured on Tape

A prominent Democrat from the South, once heralded as a burgeoning talent…
Bombshell new leaked audio that could sink Blake Lively

Explosive Leaked Audio Surfaces: Potential Scandal Threatens Blake Lively’s Reputation

Blake Lively’s claims of being ‘fat shamed’ by Justin Baldoni are under…
Woman airlifted to safety after plunging 150 feet down Los Angeles cliffside

Woman Rescued via Airlift After 150-Foot Cliff Fall in Los Angeles

A dramatic rescue unfolded in California on Wednesday when a woman was…