Father Refuses to Abandon Son During Eaton Fire – Their Tragic Story Will Break Your Heart

A father and son are among at least 24 people tragically killed in wildfires that have burned over 40,000 acres around Los Angeles.

Anthony Mitchell and his son, Justin, were trying to escape the flames but got trapped. Their family is devastated by the loss.

Anthony’s daughter, Hajime White, said her father had been waiting for an ambulance to help him and Justin leave their home in Altadena, California, but it never came. Authorities later found Anthony by Justin’s bed. Justin, in his early 20s, had cerebral palsy, and Hajime believes her father was trying to protect him.

“He wouldn’t leave his son behind,” Hajime said. Anthony, 67, was a retired salesman, an amputee, and used a wheelchair. Hajime, a doula in Arkansas, described him as a kind and caring man.

Hajime also shared her last conversation with her dad on the day of the fire. He told her, “Baby, the fire’s here, and we need to evacuate,” before hanging up. Sadly, Anthony and Justin didn’t make it out. Anthony’s other son, Jordan, was in the hospital at the time.

Justin, who used a computer to communicate, was Hajime’s half-brother. Both will be deeply missed by their family. Anthony, a father of four, had 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Known as “FaFa,” he loved giving his grandkids playful nicknames like “Strawberry Shortcake” and “Marshmallow.”

Hajime is struggling to cope. “It feels like a ton of bricks fell on me,” she said. She’s waiting to hear from her family in Los Angeles before flying there to plan the funerals.

The wildfires—Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst—have burned over 40,300 acres and destroyed many homes. The Palisades fire is only 13% contained, while Eaton is at 27% and Hurst at 89%. Authorities have reported 24 deaths, with eight linked to the Palisades fire and 16 to the Eaton fire.

Officials say the death toll could rise as rescue teams search the rubble. Twelve people are still missing in the Eaton area, and four are unaccounted for in Palisades. Strong winds are making conditions worse, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph. January 14 is expected to be the most dangerous day for the fires.

Another family in Altadena is mourning the loss of 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson, who died in his bed as the fire destroyed his home. Rodney’s daughter, Kimiko, said her father had refused to evacuate, insisting he would be fine. “He’s lived here since 1968,” she said, explaining why he didn’t want to leave.

Rodney had deep ties to the community. He worked for Lockheed Martin for 45 years and raised his family in the same home he refused to abandon. His family is heartbroken by his loss.

Victor Shaw, 66, was another victim of the Eaton fire. He died trying to protect his family’s home with a garden hose. His sister, Shari, had begged him to leave, but he stayed behind. Shari described the terrifying moment she had to escape as flames surrounded their house. “The embers were flying like a firestorm,” she said. Victor’s body was found on their property the next day.

The wildfires continue to devastate communities across Los Angeles. Firefighters are working tirelessly, with additional resources brought in to combat the flames.