Emmy award winning actress Anne Heche passed away this afternoon according to PEOPLE. She was 53.

“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend,” a rep for the star tells PEOPLE in a statement on behalf of Heche’s family and friends.

“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.”

The rep confirms that though she is legally dead according to California law, her heart is still beating and is still on life support while OneLegacy Foundation finds organ recipients. Heche was an organ donor.

Heche left behind two sons, the older, Homer, 20, gave PEOPLE a statement expressing his sadness.

“My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” he says. “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.”

He acknowledged the outpouring of love his family received over this past week.

“Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me,” he says. “I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you.”

This news comes a week after Heche crashed her vehicle into a Los Angeles residence, causing an inferno that engulfed both the vehicle and the home. The homeowner escaped with minor injuries but Heche’s condition remained critical. This morning, Heche’s reps confirmed that her condition was dire and that she was not likely to survive.