"It felt as though a ton of bricks had fallen," shares the daughter who lost her father in the Los Angeles wildfires

The death toll from the wildfires in Los Angeles, California, has climbed to at least 11, with fears that it may rise further.

The fires began on Tuesday and rapidly spread across multiple areas by Thursday night, local time. Despite extensive efforts, the flames remain uncontrollable, consuming property worth an estimated $150 billion. Entire neighborhoods are being reduced to ashes. Amid the devastation, looters have taken advantage of the chaos, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in some areas to curb the theft.

Local officials warn that it may take weeks to identify the deceased, as conventional methods like fingerprints or facial recognition may not suffice. Some U.S. media outlets have identified victims after speaking with their families. Stories of loss and heartbreak are emerging.

Anthony Michel and Justin

Anthony Michel, 67, and his son Justin, who was in his 20s, were residents of Altadena in Los Angeles. Anthony, a retired salesman, was paralyzed, while Justin lived with cerebral palsy. Both perished in their home while trying to escape the fire.

Anthony’s daughter, Hajima White, shared with The Washington Post that her father had called her as the flames closed in. “The fire has reached the backyard,” he told her. Another son, Jordan, was hospitalized for an infection at the time and survived.

Devastated by the news, Hajima said, “I felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on me.” Anthony Michel was a father of four and a grandfather to 11 grandchildren. His daughter also noted that his grandchildren have 10 children of their own.

Victor Shaw

Victor Shaw, 66, lost his life trying to protect his home from the fire in Altadena. His younger sister, Shari, told KTLA that his body was found near his property, clutching a hose he had used to try to save his garden.

The Shaw family had owned their property for over 55 years. Shari explained that Victor was determined to stay and fight the fire, despite her attempts to convince him to evacuate. “The fire was coming like a storm,” she said. Shari eventually fled, leaving her brother behind. She told CBS News she will always remember his bravery.

Rodney Nickerson

Rodney Nickerson, another Altadena resident, also perished in his home. His daughter, Kimiko Nickerson, told KTLA that her father had believed the fire would not reach his property.

Rodney had owned the home since 1968 and had experienced several fires in the area before. Tragically, his confidence proved misplaced. Kimiko shared his final words: “I’ll be here tomorrow.” Sadly, those words did not come true.

Missing 83-Year-Old Erlene Kelly

Erlene Kelly, 83, has been missing for over 48 hours. She lived in Altadena and chose to stay in her home, believing the fire would not reach her doorstep, as it never had before. Family members, however, fear she may be among the victims. Her granddaughter, Brianna Navarro, told the Los Angeles Times that they have not been able to reach Erlene since the fire began.

Jennifer Garner’s Loss

Actress Jennifer Garner revealed on MSNBC that she lost a close friend in the wildfires. Her friend, a longtime resident of the Palisades area, was unable to escape. Garner did not disclose her friend’s identity but expressed her deep sorrow.

These heartbreaking stories highlight the devastating human toll of the Los Angeles wildfires, as families grapple with unimaginable loss while authorities continue battling the raging flames.