Local sports hero who ‘lost everything’ in LA wildfires has more than $800,000 raised by community
A sports hero whose home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires has had more than $800,000 (£655,000) raised by the local community.
Walt Butler, 83, was forced to evacuate his Altadena home this week due to the devastating wildfires in the region.
But when he returned to visit his property the next day, 'everything was gone'.
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The wildfires first began on Tuesday (7 January) in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to tackle the blaze, but a combination of high speed winds and dry conditions allowed the fire to spread rapidly, destroying over 12,000 structures and forcing more than 180,000 people out of their homes in evacuation orders.
The Palisades fire remains the largest, having spread to more than 20,000 acres. Meanwhile, there are also four others - Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia.
Many residents, including Butler, have lost their homes.
“I’m still trying to assess what really happened,” Butler told The Post.
“I’m not upset about it, because I am trying to process it, but I will recover. I have three daughters and a son and I helped them all their lives. Now, they’re really stepping it up big time to take care of the Big Guy.”
The former track and field athlete, nicknamed The Jet, described the experience as 'overwhelming'.
“I am one of those dumb athletes who thinks he can do everything. If you get hit in the gut, you just suck it up. Well, I am sucking it up and standing tall. I will win the race," he said, adding that he had felt something serious was going to occur in the days prior.
“I went outside Tuesday, and I looked up and the moon was red,” he explained.
“I mean it was red red. It was just like a big ball of fire in the sky. I told my girlfriend, ‘The moon is red,’ because I told her a week before that something serious was going to happen soon. She dismissed it; I always have these visions.”
A GoFundMe created to help Butler has reached an astonishing $820,000 (£671,718).
Set up by his children, the page explains: "Our father, Walt Butler, has been the heart and soul of Altadena and Pasadena for decades. Known for his unwavering dedication to the community, he built a legacy through his beloved shoe store and endless support for local youth.
"Whether it was sponsoring youth sports teams, mentoring kids, or simply offering a listening ear, Walt has always been there for others. Walt has always put others first. Would give you the very clothes off his back to help you.
"Tragically, his home of over 60 years was completely destroyed in the recent fire in Altadena, along with his cherished vehicles and a lifetime of memories. While we are so grateful that he is safe, the loss is devastating. Walt has spent his life giving back, and now he needs our help to rebuild."
Butler's children explained the funds would be going towards securing temporary housing; replacing essential belongings; rebuilding his home and replacing his vehicles.
One person who donated to the page wrote: "Mr. Walt, I’m so sorry you lost everything. You are a light in the darkness, don’t forget that. I hope that you are feeling loved and lifted by everyone who wants to give back a little of what you’ve given to others. It’s your turn to receive and let others help you."
Lucy Devine