The Whittaker family, known for their inbreeding history, faces devastation as their mobile home burns down in a fire.
The Whittaker family, known as one of America’s most inbred families, faced a terrible disaster when their mobile home burned down.
This tragic event happened in Odd, West Virginia.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and the family is now in a difficult situation.
US’s most inbred family Whittaker faces tragedy as mobile home catches fire over unknown reasons
Mark Laita, a filmmaker and photographer, runs a YouTube channel called Soft White Underbelly.
He interviews people who often live on the edges of society.
After the fire, Laita set up a charity fund to help the Whittakers rebuild their lives.
In his latest video, he showed the burnt remains of their home. He described it as “completely burned down.”
The family lost clothes, furniture, and all their personal items.
The current living situation of the Whittaker family
Now, the Whittakers are living in a cramped house across the street from where their mobile home once stood.
They are not alone; their three dogs are with them as well.
Many people online have seen the devastation through Laita’s videos, which have gained a lot of attention.
Social media reactions
Some viewers have raised questions about the fire.
They wonder if it was an accident or if someone set it on purpose.
One comment on YouTube expressed concern about how the money from the charity would be spent.
The commenter suggested that the funds should go directly to a cleanup crew instead of the family.
This shows the mix of feelings people have about the Whittakers’ situation.
If Ray could talk, he’d tell on them all. His pointing says a lot already, one user said.
I like how everyone’s expression is pure shock when they see Mark. Never joy.
They used to really light up when he came around. Now it’s like dad is home and we’re in trouble, the second user wrote.
What I’ve learned from the Whittakers is that you can’t help everyone, you can try, you can do your best, but sometimes it’s just a bandaid on a bullet wound, the third user commented.
Poor Larry has aged so rapidly! He looks like a different person. Hes tired. Praying for him and the family! Another user said.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to help.
As of now, the GoFundMe campaign has raised around $2,232, but the goal is $16,000.
The money will be used for cleaning up the remains of the burnt home, moving a new mobile home, and furnishing it.
The organizers promise that 100% of the funds will go directly to the family.
The Whittakers have a complicated history.
They are known for their struggles with inbreeding, which has affected their health and communication skills.
Some family members can only communicate through simple sounds.
Many of them do not remember their parents or relatives well.
They only recently understood that their issues stemmed from inbreeding.
The cycle of inbreeding in the Whittaker family began with twin brothers, Henry and John.
Their children married each other, resulting in a large number of offspring.
This has led to severe physical and mental health problems among them.
Betty, born in 1952, is the current head of the family. She promised her mother to remain single to care for her siblings.
Documentaries about the Whittakers gained attention.
In 202, Mark Laita created a documentary about the Whittakers that received over 30 million views.
He returned in 2022 and started a GoFundMe page, raising thousands of dollars for the family.
After receiving donations, Laita found that the family used the money for improvements to their home, including a new roof and kitchen.