Father & Son in His Early 20s Among Eaton Fire Victims – Daughter Speaks Out

At least 24 people, including a father and son, have tragically died in wildfires that have scorched over 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area.

Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, were trapped while evacuating their Altadena home. Anthony, a retired salesman and wheelchair user, was found beside Justin’s bed, believed to be trying to save him. “He was not going to leave his son behind,” said his daughter Hajime White.

Another victim, 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson, refused to leave his longtime Altadena home, believing the fire wouldn’t reach him. His daughter Kimiko discovered his body in the aftermath.

Victor Shaw, 66, also perished while trying to defend his home from the flames. His sister Shari recounted his last moments, describing how he stayed behind with a garden hose as embers engulfed their property.

The Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst wildfires have devastated thousands of acres, with containment efforts ongoing. As red flag warnings persist, communities brace for more challenges ahead.