On Friday, August 5, actress Anne Heche was driving under the influence when she struck a house and sent it up in flames. Fortunately, the woman who lived there, Lynne Mishele, was able to escape with her two dogs and her turtle.
Her house has been devastated by the flames, and two of her neighbors, Jennifer Durand and Leslie Fingerhut, have set up a GoFundMe to help cover her expenses.
Lynne Mishele Lost ‘Everything’ In Anne Heche Car Crash
The plea states that Lynne lives with her two beautiful puppies, Bree and Rueban, and her tortoise, Marley, in the Mar Vista home that was destroyed in the car crash, although they never call Anne Heche out by name. Instead, they simply state that a car drove into the home at a high rate of speed, which caused the house to catch on fire.
“Lynne and her family very narrowly escaped physical harm, and for that we are very, very grateful. The home, however, was completely burned – with 59 firefighters taking 65 minutes to extinguish the flames – and immediately red-tagged by the LAFD, necessitating that Lynne leave the place she loves,” they wrote.
“Even more distressing is that Lynne lost her entire lifetime of possessions, mementos, all equipment for her business including her laptop and iPad, all of her clothing and basic necessities, and all household items,” they continued. “With firefighters’ help, she was able to pull a few damaged sentimental belongings from the wreckage. Everything else is gone.”
Her neighbors describe Lynne as a “kind and generous” person who “is always first to offer help to others.” They “are asking the community to come together and help Lynne start over. Please, please join us – 100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser are going directly to Lynne Mishele.”
Strangers Weigh In With Thoughts and Prayers For Lynne Mishele
Many of those who donated to the GoFundMe did not refer to Anne Heche by name, and instead referred to her as “the woman that caused the car accident.”
Martine Savage, who donated $20 dollars, wrote, “What an unimaginably awful thing to happen! Praise God for family, friends and all the love, prayers and support from strangers as you rebuild your life and business – beauty for ashes! God be with you and bless you! Stay strong, you are an inspiration to so many!”
Roberta Druif, who donated $100 dollars, commented, “Thinking of you and your three babies. Cannot even imagine what you must be going through and of course you shouldn’t have to… Sending love and strength your way.”
Richard K donated $200 dollars, adding, “Glad you are ok, but sorry to hear about your home. God bless you and your adorable dogs. Thank god you have them with you. They are so adorable and they will help you get through this confusing time. I promise!”
Tamala Poljak donated $50 dollars, writing, “Hi Lynne, I am a neighbor of yours and I haven’t been able to get you and your animals out of my mind. I am so sorry this tragic incident occurred in the safety of your home! I am so glad you and your precious pets are “ok”. I hope you are getting lots of care, love and support. I’m really moved to see the GoFund support and so happy to be a part of it. Take good care and I’ll have you and your pets in my thoughts and prayers, Tamala.”
Alicia Gabriel, who donated $20 dollars, wrote, “I’m just so sorry. It doesn’t help the loss, but it’s so amazing that you survived this horrific moment. I hope you are surrounded by love as you go through the healing from this mess.”
At the time of this writing, Lynne has raised almost $145,000 dollars from 3,300 donations.
Anne Heche Not Expected To Survive Tragic Car Accident
As PEOPLE reported on Thursday night, the “Six Days, Seven Nights” actress is not expected to survive her injuries.
“Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” a rep for the family told the publication, adding, “She is not expected to survive.”
“It has long been her choice to donate her organs and she’s being kept on life support to determine if any are viable,” they continued.
“We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers for Anne’s recovery and thank the dedicated staff and wonderful nurses that cared for Anne at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills hospital,” the statement said.
“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” the rep said. “More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”
Anne Heche leaves behind two sons, Homer and Atlas.
