An 86-year-old grandmother, known as “Miva,” who immigrated to the U.S. from Costa Rica and has called her Altadena home for 50 years, is among the missing following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
As flames ravaged her community, Miva’s close-knit family, many of whom live within blocks of her home, have been left searching for answers amid the ashes of their lives.
The wildfire displaced 21 members of Miva’s family, destroying seven of their homes. Yet for days, all focus has remained on one question: “Where’s Miva?”
Victor Wheatley, Miva’s nephew, was among the last to see her before the flames consumed the area. He described visiting her home in the fire’s early stages, never imagining the danger would escalate so quickly.
“She was just so appreciative that we came and how much she loved us,” Wheatley recounted. “If I had known what I know now, I would have gotten her out of the house.”
Family Clings to Hope Amid Tragedy
Frantic relatives have combed through the ashen remains of Miva’s home, searching for any sign of her. The emotional toll is palpable.
“You’re just trying to find this person and you’re seeing nothing,” one family member shared. “You’re seeing a lot of ash, a lot of smoke, but no person. We want to find her. And there’s a hopeful way, and then there’s a way of reality, but we need to know.”
Miva’s disappearance has left her family in a state of limbo, unable to fully process the loss of their homes until they find answers about their beloved matriarch.
A Legacy at Risk
For half a century, Miva’s Altadena home served as a cornerstone for her family, a symbol of stability and unity. Her journey from Costa Rica to the U.S. and her dedication to her family reflect a life of resilience and love.
Now, her family’s resilience is being tested as they face the harsh reality of their losses while holding onto hope for a miracle.
Local authorities and search teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing, including Miva, as the community grapples with the aftermath of one of the most destructive wildfires in recent history.
Anyone with information about Miva’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
