Anne Heche to give people the 'gift of life' after her final wish to donate organs

Anne Heche has given a number of people the 'gift of life' after she tragically lost her life in a car crash.

The actress, 53, passed away on Sunday (August 14) after she was involved in a devastating car crash in Los Angeles.

Heche, who was an organ donor, suffered from an anoxic brain injury and lung damage, was kept on life support after she was pronounced dead so her organs could be donated.

Once they were deemed viable and suitable donors were found, her family were able to put her to rest by switching off her life support.

The BBC reports that it was 'peacefully' switched off.

While it's not known which of the actresses' organs were donated, surgeons carried out the transplants as soon as her life support was switched off, as reported by NBC News.

After Anne was declared brain dead, and therefore legally dead in California, her family spoke of her wish to donate her organs, saying it had 'long been her choice to donate her organs and she's being kept on life support to determine if any are viable.'

A representative for the actress told TMZ of her death: "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. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact."

Heche's former partner, Ellen DeGeneres, was one of the many people to pay tribute to the actress.

The pair dated from 1997 until their split in 2000.

Taking to Twitter, the talkshow host wrote: "This is a sad day. I'm sending Anne's children, family and friends all of my love."

Jewellery designer and philanthropist, Nancy Davis, who was Heche's best friend, wrote on Instagram: "Heaven has a new angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing and beautiful friend Anne Heche went to heaven.

"I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared. Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me."

Heche's spokesperson Holly Baird said in a statement the actress was 'peacefully taken off life support' after compatible matches were found to receive her donated organs,