A Father’s Love: The Heartbreaking Story of Anthony Mitchell and His Son Justin LA fire
Anthony Mitchell, a devoted father and cherished member of his community, faced an unimaginable tragedy when the raging LA fire swept through his neighborhood. Trapped in their Altadena home, Anthony and his youngest son, Justin, who both relied on wheelchairs for mobility, were unable to escape the deadly flames.
This heart-wrenching story sheds light on the fierce love of a father, the fragility of life, and the devastation caused by the relentless wildfires that have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed thousands of structures across Southern California.
A Father’s Love on Full Display
Anthony Mitchell, 68, was the proud father of four children, including his only daughter, Hajime White. In April 2021, Hajime shared a touching Facebook post featuring her father, to which he responded with a comment brimming with love and pride:
“She is my heart, my soul. She is a daddy’s girl. She is everything a father can dream and hope his daughter will be. She makes me proud of her every day, and I am so thankful and proud to be her father.”
On January 14, 2024, Hajime reposted her father’s heartfelt words with a new caption: “A father’s love for his daughter is truly special. Thank you, Dad. You made sure the world knew how much you loved me.”
Just days earlier, Anthony and Justin had tragically lost their lives in the Eaton Fire, leaving Hajime and the rest of the family grappling with immense grief.
The Last Phone Calls
On the morning of January 8, Anthony made emotional phone calls to two of his children, explaining that he and Justin were waiting for assistance to evacuate.
Anthony, who had lost a leg to diabetes and used a prosthetic, lived with his two sons, Justin and Jordan. Justin, who had cerebral palsy, was bedridden and depended entirely on his family for care. Unfortunately, Jordan, who usually helped as a caregiver, was hospitalized with sepsis at the time, leaving Anthony and Justin in a vulnerable situation.
Anthony reassured Hajime during their final conversation: “They’ll come get me and your brother,” he said, though the urgency in his voice grew as the fire closed in.
Moments later, the call ended with Anthony’s haunting final words: “Baby, I got to go. The fire just got in the yard.”
A Legacy of Love and Sacrifice
That evening, first responders recovered the bodies of Anthony and Justin from their charred home. For Anthony Jr., Mitchell’s eldest son, the loss underscores the depth of his father’s devotion.
“He wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Anthony Jr. said. “Even though he had a prosthetic, he could have wheeled himself out, but that wasn’t who he was. He wouldn’t leave his kids behind. We were his legacy, his diamonds.”
Anthony Jr., one of the last people his father called that day, emphasized that his father’s commitment to family ultimately cost him his life. “He believed in family above all else,” he said. “That’s just who he was.”
A Cry for Answers
Now, the Mitchell family is left with painful questions. Hajime, 50, struggles to understand why help never arrived:
“Where was the ambulance? Where were the caregivers? How could they leave them there?”
Carlos Herrera, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, explained that resources were already stretched thin due to the Palisades Fire raging across town.
The Unrelenting Wildfires
The wildfires ravaging Southern California have burned through over 60 square miles—an area larger than Paris—destroying homes, livelihoods, and lives. Despite the tireless efforts of firefighters, conditions remain dire, with powerful winds and dangerously low humidity fueling the flames.
“Much of Southern California is at risk for rapid fire spread,” warned California Fire officials on Facebook. “One less spark equals one less wildfire.”
Remembering Anthony and Justin
Anthony Mitchell’s unwavering love and sacrifice leave a legacy that will forever be cherished by his family. As the Mitchells mourn their loss, they also seek to honor the memory of a father who embodied love, strength, and selflessness.
Our hearts go out to the Mitchell family and all those affected by the devastating fires. Please share this story to show your support and spread love during this difficult time.