Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, shares the emotional impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, which destroyed his family home and affected many in his community. His 90-year-old mother narrowly escaped, saving precious belongings. The devastation has led to significant cancellations in both the NBA and NFL, with over 5,300 structures lost and 180,000 residents evacuated. The fires are being investigated as the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
Steve Kerr’s Heart-Wrenching Experience Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
In a deeply emotional account, NBA coach Steve Kerr shares the harrowing details of his 90-year-old mother’s escape from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The flames have claimed not only his family home but also the residence of Lakers coach JJ Redick, leaving both coaches to grapple with the loss. As a result of the crisis, an NBA game has been postponed and an NFL playoff match has been moved to a different location.
Devastation Strikes Kerr’s Hometown
Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, revealed the tragic news on Thursday, stating, “My mother is in good hands, but our house is lost.” The destruction in his hometown of Pacific Palisades is staggering, with Kerr noting, “The city looks like it has been wiped out. It is surreal and devastating.” He emphasized the personal impact, saying, “Almost all my friends have lost their homes,” and lamenting the loss of significant landmarks including family residences and high schools. He described the scene as “shocking” and “apocalyptic,” estimating that “90 to 95 percent of the houses in Palisades” have been consumed by the flames.
Just two weeks prior, Kerr had enjoyed a family dinner with his mother Ann, who had recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a large gathering. With a heavy heart, he recounted how she managed to save cherished photos and paintings before evacuating their home, which had been in the family since 1969. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Kerr shared that his mother has received ample support and that everyone in the family is safe.
In a parallel report, Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed the loss of his rental home in the same area, highlighting the widespread impact of the wildfires. The flames have wreaked havoc across the greater Los Angeles area, leading to the cancellation of an NBA matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Lakers, with no new date announced yet. The Lakers expressed their condolences, stating, “We are heartbroken for Los Angeles,” and were grateful for the efforts of first responders during this crisis.
In addition to the NBA game, the NHL also canceled a match between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames, while the NFL decided to shift the upcoming playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium to Glendale, Arizona.
As of now, the wildfires have obliterated over 5,300 structures, leading to the evacuation of around 180,000 residents and affecting an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades fire has already been labeled the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles. While the cause remains undetermined, investigations are underway to uncover the source of this catastrophic event.