A 67-year-old father tragically lost his life in the LA wildfires after choosing to stay behind to be with his son, who has cerebral palsy and was unable to evacuate on his own.According to officials from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the raging wildfires have claimed the lives of at least ten individuals. Reports from CBS indicate that five of these victims were caught in the devastating Eaton fire.
Anthony Mitchell, a retired salesman residing in Altadena, California, lived with his bedridden son, Justin, who is in his early 20s and suffers from cerebral palsy. This heart-wrenching story was shared by Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White.
White revealed in an interview with The Washington Post that she had a conversation with her father on the morning of Wednesday, January 8.“He said, ‘Baby, I’m just letting you know the fire’s broke out, and we’re going to have to evacuate’,” she recounted during a conversation the following day, January 9.
“Then he said, ‘I’ve gotta go — the fire’s in the yard.'”
According to White, her father, who relied on a wheelchair, was waiting for an ambulance to arrive because none of the caregivers were available at the time.His other son, Jordan, typically lived with the family but was in the hospital battling an infection during this tragic incident.
“It’s like a ton of bricks just fell on me,” White said, while sharing that Mitchell leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Anthony Mitchell has died in the LA wildfires, his daughter confirmedFamily handout/CBS
“He had nicknames for everybody: Strawberry Shortcake, Marshmallow, Bug. He just went on and on.” she mentioned, fondly recalling her father’s humor.The fires have caused catastrophic damage, destroying more than 10,000 homes and leveling entire neighborhoods in the process.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the largest fires that have wreaked havoc across the region.
During a press conference, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley stated: “We are not out of danger. You can see the active fires that are burning with strong winds that are going to continue throughout the night.”“I can tell you and assure you that firefighters and first responders remain focused on protecting lives and property. We urge the public to help us.”
The fires have not only impacted ordinary residents but have also claimed the homes of several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, who shared her personal loss.
Paris Hilton is one of many to have lost their homeInstagram/@parishilton
Paris Hilton shared a video on Instagram of the ruins of her Malibu home. Alongside the footage, she wrote: “I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable.”“When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock – I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.”
“This house wasn’t just a place to live – it was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family.”
