Mother Shares Tearful Goodbye with Son Just Hours Before Deadly LA Wildfire
The surfer, a well-loved resident of Malibu, California, was known for his lively spirit, positive energy, and constant encouragement to those around him.
Randall “Randy” Miod’s mother, Carol Smith, shared details of their final conversation before he passed away. He also left her a heartfelt message she will always treasure.
Smith, who lives in Banning, said her son always called her when a fire broke out. So, when the Palisades fire began on January 7, Miod called her, almost in tears. She told him to take his cat and go to a shelter, but he chose to stay.
She said, “I’ve worried so much about him because, in all the fires he’s been through, he never evacuated. He always thought he could hose down the house with his hose.”
Sadly, this time he didn’t survive. He was found dead on January 8 behind his Malibu home. Miod was trying to save his house, which his mom called his “prized possession,” but the flames were too strong.
“They did the autopsy, and he had enough lung tissue left to show he died from smoke inhalation and heat,” Smith shared.
Detectives told Smith that Miod probably didn’t realize what was happening because fires like this can overpower someone instantly.
Miod was Smith’s only child with her ex-husband. The day before he died, he left a voicemail repeating what they had discussed. He asked her to pray for Palisades and Malibu and said, “I love you.”
Smith said her son loved surfing and skateboarding since he was young. “I have that message, and I’ll keep it forever,” she said. She recalled how he used to skip school to surf, so she once hid his surfboard.
Miod moved to Malibu in his 20s and rented a small studio. Later, he bought the house, which became a place where his friends always felt welcome. He loved the beach life and was known for his parties. “He was the party,” his mom said.
He also loved photography, earning a degree from Santa Monica City College and working professionally. Once, Pamela Anderson invited him to Canada to photograph a property she was interested in buying.
In Malibu, Miod was admired by the community. “He loved life, he loved people. Everyone in Malibu knew him. He’s more than a legend; he’s almost iconic,” Smith said. Despite knowing many celebrities, he stayed humble and treated everyone equally.
At Duke’s, a famous Malibu restaurant, his photo might be displayed alongside other legendary surfers.
Although living on Pacific Coast Highway was challenging due to accidents and collisions near his home, Miod loved his house. Despite recent hardships, like losing his job, having surgery, and the death of his cat, he stayed attached to the house.
Smith wanted him to sell the home and move somewhere safer, but she understood why he didn’t. “He loved that home because of the good memories it held,” she said.
The 55-year-old left a legacy of love and friendship. Though he never married or had children, he wanted to meet a good Christian partner. He was known for his kindness, especially toward children.
“No one has anything bad to say about him,” Smith said. “I’m proud of the person he became. I have so many good memories of him.”
Miod’s friends praised him. His community called his home “The Crab Shack” and nicknamed him “The Craw” because of his arms’ shape. Others called him “The Malibu Man of Mystery.”
He often welcomed friends, especially surfers, to his home. They could stay overnight as long as they brought good vibes. His friend Todd Procter said, “He truly loved people.”
Procter met Miod on the water when he was 12. After high school, Procter was unsure about college. Miod told him, “Quit school and make boards, man. That’s what you’re meant to do.”
Miod survived many natural disasters, including mudslides, fires, and tsunami warnings. Once, a boulder nearly hit his home, but he still didn’t leave when the Palisades Fire began.
In the end, Miod didn’t make it. What’s left of his home is a burnt garden chair, where he likely spent many nights with friends. Procter is thankful for the positivity Miod brought into his life and the lives of others.
Miod’s death is among 24 fatalities in the California wildfires, which have burned 40,644 acres and destroyed over 12,000 structures. Four major fires remain active, including the Palisades fire, which is 18% contained.
Firefighters are working to contain the devastation caused by these blazes.
