Los Angeles Fires: 31 People Still Missing, Death Toll Expected to Rise
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak, with families anxiously awaiting news of their missing loved ones. Among those still unaccounted for is Kevin Devine, a beloved son and brother who remains at the center of a tragic mystery.
**A Mother’s Agony**
The last time Margaret Devine heard from her son Kevin was on January 7th. They were discussing a present he had gotten for her, a small gesture of love and thoughtfulness that now feels like a distant memory. As the fires began to rage through Los Angeles, Margaret’s concern grew, prompting her to urge Kevin to leave his apartment in Altadena for safety. His reassuring words, “I’m OK, Mom,” were the last she heard from him.
**A Family’s Search**
Despite sightings of Kevin by his landlord outside his apartment complex, his whereabouts remain unknown. His car is missing, and his family has scoured hospitals and shelters in a desperate search for any sign of him. Margaret Devine has already begun speaking of her son in the past tense, a heartbreaking acknowledgment of the uncertainty that surrounds his fate.
**Official Numbers and Grim Realities**
As authorities continue their search efforts, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that 31 people are still missing in the aftermath of the fires. With 24 individuals unaccounted for in the Eaton fire and 7 in the Palisades fire, the death toll is expected to rise. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has emphasized the ongoing search and recovery operations, recognizing the need to bring closure to families who are still waiting for news of their missing relatives.
**A Glimmer of Closure**
For some families, the agonizing wait has come to an end. Miva Friedli, an 86-year-old woman reported missing by her family, was tragically found in the rubble of her home on what would have been her 87th birthday. While the news brought a sense of closure, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter of grief and healing for her loved ones.
As the search for missing persons continues and the death toll mounts, the true extent of the devastation caused by the fires is becoming clear. With each passing day, hope dims for those still unaccounted for, underscoring the urgent need for support and solidarity in the face of tragedy.