The LA wildfire has been devastating for many out there. With nearly 36,685 acres of land devastated, along with more than 13,400 buildings, as of January 12, 2025. The impact is estimated at approximately $135 Billion to $150 Billion. And the most heartbreaking news? While there have been more than 200,000 evacuations, 16 people have lost their lives to this natural disaster. The wildfire has also destroyed the properties of many notable people, including track and field legend Walt Altadena.

Walt has been not only a coach but also an inspiring figure to many in the community has been greatly affected by the natural disaster. Living in Palisades, he watched as the scorching flames consumed everything he had accumulated throughout his life as a good Samaritan. Recently, the 83-year-old has shared his devastating experience, and it’s nothing but heartbreaking to hear.

Everything turned to ashes for the track and field legend

“I lost everything,” cried Walt Altadena during an interview uploaded on Cari Champion’s Instagram page. He further shared his experience with the LA fires, stating, “I’m a guy with everything to nothing. I spent my whole life helping people. I didn’t think it would happen to me, but it did. But I have my health and my life.” Indeed, throughout his career as a coach and as a resident of LA, he has done nothing but help people when they need it the most. But still, in an instant, everything he had accumulated throughout his journey turned into ashes in front of him.

Furthermore, Walt described his time living in Palisades, stating, “About 10 or 12 years ago, I was going home, going up lake, and I see this person sitting on the bench, shaking, which I knew him anyway because I coached him when he was in high school. I said, ‘Where’s your jacket?’ He says, ‘Coach, I don’t have one.’ I said, ‘Okay, go back.’ I ended up giving all of my jackets away.” But why? “I ended up giving all of my jackets away. A lot of people helped me when I was a kid. So that makes a difference,” said the track and field legend.

Surely, after the devastating fires, his heart is beyond broken, but he will never turn down helping anybody. Walt also recalled his time as a sporting goods store owner, during which he generously donated numerous pairs of shoes to those in need. But have all of these destructions demotivated him? Absolutely not! He’s still going to help people whenever he can, and he went candid, stating, “I’m one of these dumb guys that think you can save the world. I would think that way till I die. I’ve been knocked down before, but not like this. Times are tough, but I’m not giving up.”

But Walt despite losing everything in the fire, is determined to get back on his feet. Confidence is the key! Despite being 83 years old, he remains unafraid of the challenges life presents. However, the track and field legend isn’t the only prominent figure who was affected by these wildfires; there’s another former Olympian who is going through a similar situation.

A similar situation faced by another Olympic legend

Are you aware of Gary Hall Jr.? Yes, I’m talking about the former Team USA swimmer who has secured ten Olympic medals during his stellar career. But he ended up losing all of his accolades along with his business and property valued at nearly $ 1 million. When he saw the scorching flames facing his house on January 7, he grabbed a few of his belongings and his pet dog, Puddles, and rushed towards the ocean in his car. Indeed, he was not taking any risks and had to leave a lot behind him just for safety.

However, Gary’s family set up a GoFundMe page right after they got the news from him. And immediately the community helped him out by making 287 donations that accumulated up to $53,068. While it wasn’t much, he had nothing but gratitude for his supporters, stating, “As much as I am overwhelmed by the loss of all worldly possessions, home, and business, I am overwhelmed by the love and support of so many reaching out through this difficult time.” Indeed, he is aware of these harsh times, but he’s glad that a legion of people are behind him and are praying for him and the affected people of LA.