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13th Jan 2025

Over $860,000 raised for local hero who ‘lost everything’ in LA fires

Charlie Herbert

He lost his home of 60 years

A community sports hero whose home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires has seen more than $800,000 raised for him by locals.

Over the last week, devastating wildfires have ravaged large parts of LA. As of Monday morning, the death toll from the fires stands at 24, with at least another 16 people missing, the BBC reports.

The fires have also destroyed thousands of buildings, with many locals losing their homes and possessions in the blazes.

One of these people is 83-year-old Walt Butler who was forced to evacuate his Altadena property to escape the Eaton fire, one of three fires still active in LA.

When he returned to his property though, he was devastated to find out his home of more than 60 years had been completely ravaged and “everything had gone.”

Speaking to the New York Post, Butler said he was “still trying to assess what really happened.”

He told the publication: “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.

“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.”

Walter Butler lost his home of 60 years in the Eaton fire (GoFundMe)

Butler is a local sports hero, who excelled in football and track at Pasadena High School. Nicknames ‘The Jet’, he set the California Interscholastic Federation record in the 120-yard high hurdles, a record he still holds to this day.

Later this year, Butler is set to be inducted into the Pasadena Hall of Fame.

Along with his sporting exploits, he has also set up his own shoe store, along with sponsoring youth sports teams and mentoring kids.

So, when his kids set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Butler, the local community were happy to help – in a huge way.

In the space of just five days, the page has raised $864,000 at the time of writing.

More than $800,000 has been raised for Butler. Some of this money will be used to rebuild his home, his children explained (GoFundMe)

His children wrote on the page: “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.”

The funds raised will be going towards securing temporary housing for Butler, rebuilding his home, and replacing his essential belongings and vehicles.

Three fires are still active in LA. The biggest of these is the Palisades blaze which has now burnt through more than 23,000 acres and is 13% contained, according to CalFire. It is expected to be the most destructive fire in LA’s history.

The Eaton fire is the second biggest and has burnt through more than 14,000 acres. It is 27% contained.

The Hurst fire has grown to 799 acres and has been almost fully contained.

However, there are fears that the fires could spread once more as strong winds are forecast in the region this week.