Anthony Mitchell Sr. communicated with his son during the Eaton fire, assuring family he was waiting for help.
Both the father, an amputee, and his son, Justin, with cerebral palsy, were unable to escape alone.
Family members reported that first responders restricted access to the evacuation zone, preventing rescue.
This incident sheds light on the vulnerability of disabled individuals in wildfire emergencies, as officials acknowledge past audits indicating inadequate preparedness.
The tragic loss has sparked outrage about the lack of adequate support for disabled residents during disasters.