Malibu, California – Randall Miod, 55, tragically lost his life in the devastating wildfires that swept through California, while he bravely stayed behind to protect his home in Malibu.
Miod, a lifelong Malibu resident, had a deep connection to his property, which he cherished as the only home he had ever owned.
His mother, Carol Smith, shared that her son was determined to defend the house he loved and refused to evacuate when the fires broke out.
"Randall felt incredibly fortunate to live in Malibu. It was his lifelong dream, as he had been surfing since his teenage years," Smith said.
On the Tuesday before the tragedy, Miod spoke with his mother over the phone, telling her he had prepared a garden hose in case the fire approached.
Smith believes her son, who had survived wildfires in the past, did not fully anticipate how intense the flames would become.
“He had survived numerous fires in the past without any harm. I think he believed he could do so once more,” she reflected.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that Miod was among at least 16 people who lost their lives to the fires that have ravaged over 12,000 structures in the region.
A devoted son, Miod is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his home and community.