Amputee father’s wait for an ambulance for his disabled son becomes even more tragic as the LA fires escalate, intensifying their ordeal.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed the lives of several victims, with the death toll now at 10.
Among the most heartbreaking stories is that of a 67-year-old amputee father and his disabled son, who both perished in the flames.
Amputee father and disabled son tragically lost in LA fires
Anthony Mitchell, a retired salesman and amputee, stayed behind to wait for an ambulance for his son, Justin, who suffered from cerebral palsy.
Tragically, neither survived the devastating fire in Altadena, California. Anthony’s daughter, Hajime White, shared the tragic news with “The Washington Post”, recounting her father’s final phone call before the fire consumed their home.
“He was not going to leave his son behind, no matter what,” White said, reflecting on her father’s devotion. She described the emotional weight of the loss as “like a ton of bricks just fell on me.”
The growing death toll from LA fires
The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that 10 fire-related deaths have been reported so far. Investigators are still working to identify victims due to the severe conditions of the fire-affected areas.
Traditional methods of identification, such as fingerprints, are not feasible in many cases. Investigators are relying on dental records and DNA testing to confirm identities.
As fire crews continue battling the blazes, officials warned that the full extent of the devastation may take weeks to fully assess.
Other victims of the LA fires
Three additional victims have been named, including Victor Shaw, 66, who perished in the Eaton Fire. Victor had initially planned to evacuate but decided to stay behind and attempt to fight the flames.
His sister, Shari Shaw, tried to convince him to leave, but he refused. Tragically, he was found dead by the side of the road, attempting to protect his family home.
Rodney Nickerson, 82, also died in the fires. He had been preparing to evacuate his home in Altadena but decided to stay behind.
His daughter, Kimiko Nickerson, shared that her father thought the fire would pass over and that he would be safe.
Searches for missing persons continue amid ongoing fires
As the search for victims continues, many residents are still awaiting news of missing loved ones. Dalyce Kelley took to social media, urging people to help locate her grandmother, whose home was destroyed in the fire.
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that the situation is still volatile, with ongoing fires and hazardous conditions. “Unfortunately, I think the death toll will rise,” Luna warned. He urged patience, as the officials work to provide an accurate count of fatalities.
The wildfires have also affected several high-profile individuals.
Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia, and Miles Teller have revealed that their homes were destroyed in the blazes.
The fires have left a trail of devastation across Los Angeles, and the full extent of the damage is still being uncovered.
With the death toll expected to rise, the community is left to mourn the loss of loved ones while continuing to battle the ongoing crisis.
As the search for missing persons continues, the city faces a long road to recovery.