A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Altadena, California, when Anthony Mitchell, 68, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy and was bedridden, died after being unable to evacuate as the Eaton fire rapidly approached their home. The Mitchell family is now demanding answers about why no help came despite their calls for assistance.
A Desperate Call for Help
On Wednesday morning, Anthony Mitchell reached out to his daughter, Hajime White, to reassure her that he was safe despite the growing wildfire threatening their neighborhood. However, as the fire drew nearer, Mitchell told his daughter, “The fire just got in the yard.” He had called for evacuation assistance, but help never arrived.
Anthony Mitchell had been living with a leg amputation from a diabetes-related complication, making it difficult for him to evacuate on his own. Justin, his son, was also unable to move without assistance. Normally, Jordan, their other son, would have been there to help, but he was in the hospital battling sepsis at the time. As flames surrounded their home, no ambulance appeared to evacuate them, and tragically, both Anthony and Justin were found dead that evening.
The Mitchell Family’s Search for Answers
Hajime White is left questioning the response to her father’s urgent calls. “Where was the ambulance? Where were the caregivers? Where was everyone at?” she asked, as her family struggled to understand why no one came to their aid.
Despite reaching out to several government agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, for answers, the family received little information. Officials did not confirm whether the Mitchells’ 911 calls had been received or responded to, and the sheriff’s office had not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Carlos Herrera, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, explained that by the time the Eaton fire started, all available resources were already focused on the Palisades fire. The fire department had prioritized evacuations and was conducting door-to-door checks for people in danger.
Community Shocked by the Loss
The Mitchell family is grappling with the tragic loss of two beloved members. Anthony Mitchell, known as a community figure, was a father of four and grandfather of several. He had worked at Radio Shack before becoming a respiratory therapist, and was well-loved for his skills in barbecuing and his friendly, old-school approach to life. His son, Justin, had a passion for reading and enjoyed spending time with his father, often sitting together to read the newspaper.
The Mitchells lived in a neighborhood in Altadena that had long been a haven for families, particularly Black families, due to its affordability and close-knit atmosphere. Anthony Mitchell was known for his involvement in the local community, regularly checking in with children and offering advice. His death has left a hole in the heart of the Altadena community.
Devastation and Loss
As the fires continued to rage, many homes in the area were reduced to ashes, including the Mitchell family’s home. The remains of their once-beautiful house were now piles of debris, with scorched vehicles and garden tools scattered around the yard.
For Hajime White, the loss is compounded by the fact that her father had remained hopeful that help would come. “They’ll get me and your brother,” he reassured her as the fire crept closer. But no help arrived, and the Mitchells’ tragic fate serves as a devastating reminder of the challenges faced by those with mobility issues during emergencies.
The story of Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin highlights the critical importance of timely emergency response, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those who use wheelchairs. As the Mitchell family continues to seek answers about why no help came during their final hours, the community is left to mourn the loss of two beloved family members. The Mitchells’ deaths raise important questions about preparedness and response during natural disasters, especially for those who are unable to evacuate on their own.
