Actor Anne Heche died on 12 August six days after her car, said to have been traveling at a high speed, ran off the road and hit a house and caught fire.
She was initially conscious after the accident, according to responding firemen, but soon slipped into a coma.
She was 53.
A family representative issued a statement: “We have lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend.”
Heche’s son, Homer Laffoon, 20, said: “My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom. After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom.”
Heche’s former partner, Ellen DeGeneres, posted on Twitter: “This is a sad day. I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.”
Heche, born in Ohio and the youngest of five children, drew attention on the soap opera “Another World,” where she played the dual role of twins Vicky Hudson and Marley Love from 1987 to 1991.
She won a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance on the show.
Her popularity grew after appearing in a number of films, including “Donnie Brasco,” “Wag the Dog” and “Six Days Seven Nights” opposite Harrison Ford.