Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin lost their lives in the Eaton Fire on January 8, according to their family. The tragic incident unfolded as wildfires ravaged Los Angeles earlier this week. Hajime White, Mitchell’s daughter, is now speaking about the devastating loss of her father and brother.
Last phone call before the tragedy
On January 9, White, who resides in Warren, Arkansas, shared her heartbreaking story. She recalled her final conversation with her dad, a retired salesman and amputee who used a wheelchair.
“He called me and said, ‘Baby, I’m just letting you know the fire’s broke out, and we’re going to have to evacuate,’” White said. Moments later, he told her, “I’ve gotta go — the fire’s in the yard.” That was the last time she heard his voice.
Family’s dire situation
Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy and couldn’t move independently, lived together in their Altadena home. White revealed that they occasionally had caregivers, but no one was there when the Eaton Fire reached their house. Another of Mitchell’s sons, who also lived with them, was in the hospital battling an infection at the time.
Mitchell had called for an ambulance to help them evacuate, but it never arrived. When authorities discovered their bodies, Mitchell was found beside Justin’s bed. The family believes he was trying to save his son until the very end.
A father’s devotion
“He was not going to leave his son behind. No matter what,” White said, describing her dad’s unwavering love. The loss hit her like “a ton of bricks,” especially since she had spoken to him just hours before their tragic deaths.
White fondly remembered her father as a loving man who was a father of four, a grandfather of 11, and a great-grandfather of 10. “He had nicknames for everybody: Strawberry Shortcake, Marshmallow, Bug,” she said, reminiscing about his warm personality.
Justin, despite his struggles with cerebral palsy, used a computer to communicate and read. White highlighted the special bond between her father and brother, saying it was impossible for her dad to abandon Justin.
Eaton fire devastation
The Eaton Fire, one of several wildfires burning across Los Angeles County, has claimed at least five lives, according to authorities. Among the victims was Victor Shaw, 66, whose body was discovered clutching a garden hose outside his home in Altadena. The fire has burned over 13,690 acres and is only 3% contained as of Friday, January 10.
The Palisades Fire, raging about 30 miles away, has also caused significant destruction. By Friday morning, it was only 8% contained after burning through 20,438 acres. Meanwhile, the Kenneth Fire in West Hills broke out on Thursday afternoon, scorching 1,000 acres and reaching 35% containment by Friday morning.
Grieving a heartbreaking loss
The tragedy has left the Mitchell family in shock and mourning. White struggles to comprehend the sudden loss of her father and brother, knowing her dad’s last moments were spent trying to protect Justin. The story of their tragic end has touched the hearts of many as the community comes to terms with the widespread devastation caused by the wildfires.
USlive extends its deepest condolences to the Mitchell family during this devastating time.
