A local sports hero devastated by the LA wildfires has received over $800,000 in donations from the supportive community.
Walt Butler, an 83-year-old sports hero from Altadena, recently faced a devastating loss due to the wildfires in Los Angeles.
His home was destroyed, leaving him with nothing but memories.
In response, the local community has rallied together, raising over $800,000 to support him during this difficult time.
The impact of the wildfires
The wildfires began on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area.
Strong winds and dry conditions allowed the flames to spread quickly.
Firefighters worked hard to control the blaze, but the fire was relentless.
It destroyed more than 12,000 structures and forced over 180,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
The Palisades fire remains one of the largest, burning over 20,000 acres.
Walt was forced to evacuate his home over LA wildfires
The fire forced Walt Butler to evacuate his home as it approached.
He returned the next day and found that he had lost everything.
The loss hit him hard, but he is trying to remain strong.
“I’m still trying to assess what really happened,” he said.
He expressed that he is not upset; instead, he is focusing on recovery.
Walt is grateful for the support of his family during this tough time.
He has three daughters and a son who have stepped up to help him.
“I’m not upset about it, because I am trying to process it, but I will recover. I have three daughters and a son and I helped them all their lives.
Now, they’re really stepping it up big time to take care of the Big Guy,” he shared.
This family bond is essential as he navigates through his loss.
Walt embodies the spirit of resilience and determination.
People know Walt as “The Jet” from his days as a track and field athlete.
He described the experience of losing his home as overwhelming.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic.
“I am one of those dumb athletes who thinks he can do everything. If you get hit in the gut, you just suck it up. Well, I am sucking it up and standing tall.
I will win the race,” he said, adding that he had felt something serious was going to occur in the days prior,” he said.
Walt had sensed something serious was coming before the fires.
“I went outside Tuesday, and I looked up and the moon was red,” he explained.
“I mean it was red red. It was just like a big ball of fire in the sky.
I told my girlfriend, ‘The moon is red,’ because I told her a week before that something serious was going to happen soon.
She dismissed it; I always have these visions.”
Local sports star receives over $800,000 from community after losing everything in LA wildfires
In light of his loss, his children set up a GoFundMe page to help Walt rebuild.
The page quickly gained traction and has raised over $820,000.
They will use the funds for temporary housing, replacing essential belongings, and rebuilding his home and vehicles.
The GoFundMe page describes Walt as the heart and soul of the Altadena and Pasadena communities.
He has always dedicated himself to helping others, sponsoring youth sports teams, mentoring kids, and offering support to those in need.
His selflessness has made a significant impact on many lives.
Many people have come forward to donate to Walt’s cause.
One donor wrote, “Mr. Walt, I’m so sorry you lost everything. You are a light in the darkness, don’t forget that.
I hope that you are feeling loved and lifted by everyone who wants to give back a little of what you’ve given to others.
It’s your turn to receive and let others help you.”
This shows the love and respect the community has for him.
People are eager to support someone who has given so much to others.