The Los Angeles wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives, including the tragic deaths of Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy.
Anthony, who used a wheelchair, refused to leave his son behind during the fires. “He was not going to abandon his son, no matter what,” said his daughter, Hajime White. Their bodies were later found in Altadena after they failed to escape the flames.
The fires, described as the most destructive in LA’s history, have devastated over 34,000 acres. The death toll may rise as identification of remains continues.
Due to the condition of the bodies, the LA medical examiner is relying on dental records and DNA for identification. Sheriff Robert Luna explained that emergency crews face additional challenges such as spot fires and gas leaks, making the recovery efforts even more dangerous and complex.
Among the other victims was 66-year-old Victor Shaw, who died trying to save his family home of 55 years.
His sister, Shari, recalled begging him to evacuate, but he refused. “When I went back in and yelled his name, he didn’t reply, and I had to save myself,” she shared. Another victim, 82-year-old Rodney Nickerson, also chose to stay in his Altadena home, believing the fire would pass, but he did not survive.
The wildfires have destroyed countless homes and properties, leaving entire communities in ruins. Several celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins and Paris Hilton, lost their homes to the flames.
Officials are continuing to search for survivors and assess the extent of the destruction, but they urge patience as the true scale of the disaster unfolds. Sheriff Luna stated, “The true devastation will take time to uncover.”
The community is left grappling with the loss and devastation caused by the fires, as officials work tirelessly to bring the situation under control and support those affected.