Jennifer Garner has shared the heart-wrenching news that she lost a dear friend in the catastrophic wildfires sweeping through Southern California.
As the fires ravage the region, the death toll has sadly reached 25, with gusting winds threatening to escalate the devastation in the coming days. Over the past few days, these fires have wreaked havoc on Los Angeles, torching a massive area of 60 square miles. The impending Santa Ana winds are expected to worsen the situation by further fueling the flames.
The fires have left thousands of people grappling with the loss of their homes, possessions, and sense of security. In the wake of this tragedy, lives have been irrevocably changed, and some, unfortunately, have lost even more.
Among those deeply affected is actress Jennifer Garner. During an interview with MSNBC earlier this week, she revealed the loss of a friend to the fires.
The star of “Elektra” is among many celebrities who have jumped into action to support relief efforts. She has teamed up with a well-known chef to provide assistance to communities severely impacted by this catastrophe.
“I did lose a friend who did not get out in time,” Garner, 52, shared during the interview. “It’s just — my heart bleeds for my friends. I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost.”
She reflected further, adding, “I feel almost guilty walking through my house. Just, you know, what can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?”
Speaking about her loss, Garner concluded, “I’m looking at the chimney of somebody that I loved. […] It’s awful — kind of unimaginable.”
Reports state that Garner has collaborated with Chef José Andrés and his charity, World Central Kitchen, to support those affected by the fires.
“I took advantage of a little bit of celebrity privilege and called Chef and said, ‘Please, can I come with you?’” Garner explained.
Currently, the death toll from the wildfires stands at 25, though sadly, this number is expected to rise. Strong winds are forecasted to hit the LA region later this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a warning of a “particularly dangerous situation”.
By Monday morning, only 14 percent of the Palisades fire, which has devastated over 23,000 acres, was contained. The Eaton fire, which has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena, stands 33 percent contained.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the ongoing California wildfires. Please share this message to express your support.
