“I need all your f*****n prayers.” These raw, gut-wrenching words came from a devastated Laura Govan, as her teenage son, Alijah Arenas, remains in a coma following a horrific car accident. Early yesterday morning, tragedy rocked the family of NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas when news broke that 18-year-old Alijah Arenas—a highly touted five-star basketball recruit—was involved in a serious crash. The Tesla Cybertruck he was driving slammed into a tree/fire hydrant in Los Angeles, igniting into flames upon impact.
Though initial fears painted a grim picture, there is hope. According to the LAPD, Alijah Arenas is currently in stable condition. Smoke inhalation, not trauma, caused his coma. Fortunately, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Alijah sustained no broken bones—a small but significant relief. “According to a Los Angeles Fire Department public information officer, officials responded to a call at 4:55 a.m. after a Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree/fire hydrant with fire involved,” Charania reported.
As word of the crash spread, an outpouring of love and prayers flooded social media. Fans, friends, and fellow athletes rallied behind the Arenas family, hoping for Alijah’s full recovery. Leading the calls for support is his mother, Laura Govan, who made a heartfelt appeal to her followers on Instagram for collective prayers. Adding her voice to the chorus of concern was a 17-year-old tennis sensation Milan Tyson, daughter of boxing legend Mike Tyson. Through her Instagram story, Milan wrote, “Everyone please pray for a speedy recovery,” echoing the sentiment felt by so many.
February 7, 2024, Turin, Turin, Italy: Mike Tyson. Turin Italy – ZUMAm214 20240207_zip_m214_006 Copyright: xMatteoxSeccix
With the world now holding its breath, time seems to stand still as everyone waits for news of Alijah Arenas’s condition. The exact cause of the crash—where his $79,990 Tesla veered off the road and struck a tree—remains unclear. For Laura, who recently separated from longtime partner Gilbert Arenas, the incident is especially devastating. Alijah has always been the center of her world, and she recently shared an emotional update with fans about his commitment to USC following a reclassification.
The Tyson family’s support added another layer of depth to the story. Milan’s message, filled with compassion and strength, reflected the emotional bond she shares with her father. Mike Tyson has long championed his daughter’s journey in tennis, once speaking proudly of her dedication to the sport. Let’s take a look.
Mike Tyson reacted to his daughter’s love for tennis
Mike Tyson has always held family in the highest regard, once stating, “Family is everything.” He’s shared how his family, particularly his children, have consistently supported him throughout his life, even in his 60s. Despite receiving criticism for agreeing to face Jake Paul in a match last year—a fight many felt was inappropriate given Tyson’s legendary status and the significant age gap—Tyson stood by his decision. He never imposed his views on his children’s futures, allowing them the freedom to choose their own paths.
One of his children, Milan, began playing tennis at the age of 3, and by 7, she was already competing. Mike Tyson has spoken with pride about her competitive spirit, telling Tennis Channel in 2018, “She’s very competitive—she wants to win just like everyone else. She tells me she wants to be a professional tennis player. That’s going to be difficult, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.” Reflecting on his role as her biggest supporter, Tyson remarked, “I’m not going to be quiet. They’re gonna be kicking me out,” referring to his passionate presence at Centre Court. “I’m proud, and I am ferocious out there when my daughter’s playing.”
Given that Milan is one of Mike Tyson’s favorite kids among his seven, do you think this budding tennis star could some day reach the levels that someone like Serena Williams’ has achieved? Share your thoughts below!
The post Mike Tyson’s Daughter Joins Heartbroken Alijah Arena’s Mom in Prayers After Car-Crash-Induced Coma appeared first on EssentiallySports.