Patrick O’Neal, son of the late actor Ryan O’Neal, returned to his family’s Malibu home after the Pacific Palisades Fire to find utter devastation. He described the scene as “just ash and bricks,” indicating a total loss of the property.
Patrick, attempting to navigate the remnants of the house, expressed disorientation and a sense of loss. He told a Getty Images photographer, per CBS News, “I’m trying to figure out where I am in the house… I think I’m standing in my dad’s bathroom. To be honest, I don’t even know what I’m looking for… I guess I’m just trying to make sense of it. There’s nothing left, just ash and bricks — there’s nothing.”
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Prior to visiting the site, Patrick had confirmed the loss of the home in a video statement posted on social media. He expressed his prayers for all those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, acknowledging the widespread devastation and confirming his family’s safety. He also urged those who could to donate to those in need.
In the aftermath of the fire, Patrick shared on Instagram that he had salvaged one prized possession: a hockey stick signed by Wayne Gretzky. He described it as an item he’s had since 1990 and would take with him in any evacuation. He also shared images of the property being hosed down, with a small rainbow appearing in the spray.
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Tatum O’Neal, Patrick’s half-sister, also confirmed the destruction of their father’s home on social media, expressing her sadness and devastation at the loss. The fire occurred just over a year after Ryan O’Neal’s death in December 2023. He is survived by four children: Patrick, Tatum, Griffin, and Redmond.
The Pacific Palisades Fire, which began on January 7th, has been deemed the costliest wildfire in U.S. history, according to The Wall Street Journal. As of January 13th, it had burned over 23,700 acres and was only 14% contained, stretching from the Pacific Coast Highway and threatening areas of the San Fernando Valley. Cal Fire continues to battle the blaze.
