Father refuses to abandon son in a wheelchair; both tragically killed in LA fire

Anthony Mitchell found himself in a heartbreaking situation as massive wildfires tore through his Los Angeles neighborhood. He and his son, Justin, both relied on wheelchairs for mobility, making their escape nearly impossible. Tragically, the help they had been counting on never arrived, leaving them to face the devastating blaze alone.

Anthony, a father of four, had been waiting for emergency responders to help evacuate him and his youngest son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy. Despite multiple calls for assistance, the dire circumstances left them stranded. This tragedy has left the family grappling with profound loss and unanswered questions.

Reflecting on her father’s devotion, Hajime White shared memories of a Facebook post from April 2021. She had posted a photo of herself with her father, captioned, “It’s a father/daughter thing you wouldn’t understand.” Her father’s response was filled with love, describing her as his heart and soul and expressing pride in her accomplishments. For Hajime, this exchange now holds even deeper meaning in the wake of his passing.

In January 2024, after the fire claimed her father and brother, Hajime revisited that cherished post. She added a new caption: “A father’s love for his daughter is truly special. Thank you, Dad. Although you frequently expressed this sentiment, you also took the time to write it in the comments section of my post for everyone to see.” Her words are a testament to the love and bond she shared with her father.

On the morning of January 8, Anthony called his children, explaining that he and Justin were waiting for an ambulance to evacuate them. From his window, he could see the flames advancing through the neighborhood. Despite the dire situation, he reassured his daughter Hajime that help would arrive soon. But as the fire reached their yard, Anthony’s last words to her were, “Baby, I got to go.”

That evening, firefighters found the bodies of Anthony and Justin in their home, consumed by the fire. For Anthony Jr., his father’s eldest son, the tragedy is a reflection of his father’s unyielding love. “He wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Anthony Jr. said, emphasizing that their father valued family above all else. His commitment to his children ultimately cost him his life.

Anthony Jr. believes his father had the physical ability to escape on his own, even with a prosthetic leg. However, abandoning Justin was never an option. “We were his legacy,” Anthony Jr. explained. This devotion, while admirable, highlights the heartbreaking sacrifices parents make for their children in moments of crisis.

As the family mourns, questions remain about why emergency help failed to reach Anthony and Justin in time. Hajime voiced her frustrations, asking, “Where was the ambulance? Where were the caregivers? Where was everyone at?” The lack of timely support adds to their grief, as they try to piece together what went wrong.

According to Carlos Herrera, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, resources were already stretched thin due to other ongoing fires. The Eaton fire, which claimed the lives of Anthony and Justin, ignited while crews were focused on battling the larger Palisades fire. This overwhelming situation left emergency responders unable to reach everyone in need.

These devastating wildfires have destroyed over 12,000 structures, burned more than 60 square miles, and claimed at least 24 lives. Officials warn that dangerous conditions persist, with strong winds and low humidity fueling the flames. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the fires, families like the Mitchells are left to grieve and seek answers for the losses they’ve endured.

Our thoughts go out to Mitchell’s family and all those impacted by these catastrophic wildfires. Please share this story to honor their memory and show support for the families affected by this tragedy.