Raging wildfires have engulfed Los Angeles, destroying over 1,000 homes and affecting several Hollywood celebrities, with casualty numbers yet to be officially released by the US administration.
Over 70,000 people were rescued from the inferno as the firefighters struggled to quell the fire. Several homes of renowned athletes and Hollywood actors were severely damaged as the fire spread. Among those, who suffered huge damage, included former U.S. Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr.
All of Hall's 10 Olympic medals—five gold, three silver, and two bronze—along with six World Championship medals, got lost in the fire. Expressing his despair, Hall said, "Yes, everything is burnt."
Hall represented the United States in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics.
"I can’t live without the medals. It feels like there’s nothing left. I’ll have to start again and work hard for it. What else can I do?” The 50-year-old swimmer added, “When I return to my house, I might not be able to control my emotions. I’ll search for the medals in the ashes. Even if I find them melted, I’ll keep them. But I don’t think I’ll find anything.”
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Recalling the tragic moment, Hall described the chaos, saying, “I’ve never seen such a terrible situation—not even in a movie. While talking to my daughter on the phone, I saw smoke entering the house from the back." He also added that within moments, the fire engulfed everything.
"I heard explosions and had to leave quickly," said Hall.
The devastating fire has also claimed the homes of several high-profile celebrities, including Mexican football player Carlos Villa and Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick, and Brooklyn Beckham, son of David Beckham, who lives in LA with his wife, Nicola Peltz.
Victoria Beckham took to social media to express her sorrow over the devastating loss, posting a heartfelt message to her daughter-in-law Nicola, who had just celebrated her birthday.
Victoria wrote, "Heartbreaking to see the extent of destruction caused by the fire. Los Angeles is very special to our family." She further said that their prayers are with all those affected including those who have lost loved ones, and homes.
Let's stay calm, support each other, and take care during this difficult time, she said.
