A father, Anthony Mitchell, and his son, Justin, both using wheelchairs, called for help during the Eaton fire in California on Wednesday morning. Despite receiving no response from emergency services within hours, both men were later found dead.
Mr. Mitchell had been trying to evacuate himself and his son from their home on Terrace Street in Altadena, which was uncomfortably close to the raging wildfire that had ignited in the Angeles National Forest. However, due to strong winds, no ambulance arrived despite multiple calls for help.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated that by the time the fire broke out, all available resources were already committed to responding to a nearby fire. Fire crews went door-to-door looking for people but prioritized evacuating residents over responding to 911 calls.
Mr. Mitchell’s family is now seeking answers about what happened during those crucial hours. His son, Justin, was born with cerebral palsy and relied heavily on his father’s care. Jordan, the other son, was hospitalized earlier in the week with a case of sepsis.
The Mitchells’ neighborhood had a small-town feel, with homes passed down through generations. The community was known for its welcoming nature, where Mr. Mitchell would frequently check in with neighbors and offer advice.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how emergency responders could miss the calls for help from the desperate father-son duo.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/us/eaton-fire-victims.html