Five Los Angeles residents killed in wildfires have been identified, including an amputee great-grandfather and his son with cerebral palsy.
Recently, wildfires in Los Angeles have caused great destruction and heartache.
At least 10 people have lost their lives, and many families have been affected.
Among the victims are residents who lived in close-knit neighborhoods, and their stories highlight the human impact of this disaster.
LA wildfires reportedly claim five lives including amputee great-grandfather and son with cerebral palsy
Anthony và Justin Mitchell
One of the victims was Anthony Mitchell, a retired salesman and amputee who was 67 years old.
He was a beloved great-grandfather to ten grandchildren. Anthony lived with his adult son Justin, who had cerebral palsy.
On the morning of the fire, Anthony called his daughter, Hajime White, to let her know they needed to evacuate.
He told her the fire was approaching their home.
Tragically, a few hours later, she received the devastating news that both he and Justin had perished in the blaze.
Hajime described her father as a big-hearted man who always cared for his family.
He had four children and many grandchildren, and he was known for his kind nature.
Hajime said, “It felt like a ton of bricks just fell on me,” when she learned about their deaths.
Anthony’s dedication to his family was evident; he would never leave his son behind.
Victor Shaw stayed behind to protect home.
Another victim was Victor Shaw, a 66-year-old man who had lived in his family home for 55 years.
He chose to stay behind to protect the house while his sister evacuated.
Unfortunately, he was found the next day outside his home, still holding a garden hose.
His sister, Shari, described the moment she realized he was missing and how she feared for his safety.
She said, “I had to save myself,” as the flames closed in.
Rodney Nickerson refused to evacuate his home.
The fires have destroyed many homes, leaving families in shock.
Among the deceased was 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson, who was discovered in his bed amid the ruins of his home.
His daughter, Kimiko, shared how her father refused to evacuate despite her pleas.
“He said he’d be fine,” she recounted, but the fire took his life.
Erliene Kelley was a beloved neighborhood friend.
Also among the victims was Erliene Kelley, a retired pharmacy technician known for her kindness.
Neighbors remembered her as a sweet and caring person who always had a smile.
Erliene died in her home during the fire, leaving her community mourning the loss of someone they cherished.
Wildfires devastated homes leaving families in despair.
The wildfires have not only claimed lives but have also destroyed entire neighborhoods.
Five major fires have burned through Los Angeles, affecting thousands of structures.
Firefighters are working hard to contain the blazes, but the situation remains dire.
The Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire are the two largest fires, and they have caused significant damage.
Community unites for ongoing search efforts.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, officials warn that the death toll may rise.
Search efforts are ongoing, and authorities are using canines to help locate more victims.
Sheriff Robert Luna expressed concern for the safety of residents.
“At some point, we’ll be able to do a more thorough search of these impacted areas — some of them look like a bomb was dropped on them — where we will be able to bring in canines and other things to help us [and] hopefully not discover too many fatalities.”
Many residents were caught off guard by the speed of the fires.
Reports indicate that some people received evacuation notices too late, leading to panic and confusion.
Neighbors rushed to leave, but not everyone was able to escape in time.