Anne Heche's Cause Of Death, Other 'Significant Conditions' That Contributed To Her Passing Revealed

Anne Heche's death was ruled an accident by authorities.

The Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner-Coroner has determined the cause of death of the "Six Days, Seven Nights" star. She reportedly died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries from the fiery car crash on Aug. 5, E! News reported.

The records also revealed other "significant conditions" that contributed to Heche's death, including a sternal fracture due to blunt trauma.

According to the National Institute of Health, sternal fractures result from a vehicle collision when the person's chest strikes the steering wheel. It occurs in older vehicles with no airbag deployment. It is slightly more prevalent in females and more common in older patients.

Her manner of death was ruled an accident. The records indicated that her date of passing was on Aug. 11.

At the time, Heche's rep released a statement on behalf of her family, saying she was "not expected to survive" because she also "suffered a severe anoxic brain injury" and had remained "in a coma, in critical condition" while at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in California.

Hours after the announcement, her rep confirmed that the "Psycho" actress had passed away. She was 53.

"We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed, but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy," Heche's rep said. "Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."

The actress passed away a week after her Mini Cooper crashed into a two-story home. According to Lynne Bernstein, who rushed to the scene with two other neighbors, the Emmy winner's car "almost immediately" caught fire after the collision. They attempted to help her but couldn't extract her from her vehicle. They were also having a hard time breathing and seeing the surroundings due to intense smoke.

Heche was stuck in her car for over an hour, and it took nearly 60 firefighters to extinguish the fire. She suffered from a severe burn and had never regained her consciousness following the accident.

She was survived by her two sons, Homer, 20, and Atlas, 13.