The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner (DME) has announced that Jeffrey James Takeyama, who had been reported missing, is a casualty of the Palisades Fire.
Takeyama, 69, was last seen on Jan. 7 near the 23000 block of West Paloma Blanca Drive in Malibu. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared him an at-risk missing person and asked for the public’s help in finding him, noting that his family was concerned about his welfare.
According to the DME, Takeyama died on Jan. 12 at a residence due to “inhalation of products of combustion and thermal injuries.” His death was listed as accidental. The report was submitted by investigator Laura Araujo and Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho.
Takeyama is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters Tracy and Janna; son Alex; son-in-law Lio; and 4-year-old grandson Milo.
The family, which lost their home of 41 years, has established a Go Fund Me page with a message from Takeyama’s children. They said of their father, “In every fire before this one, including the 1993 blaze, he worked tirelessly to keep us and our neighbors safe. This time, the fire was different, and we are heartbroken beyond words.
“Our father’s absence leaves a hole in our family that can never be filled … Along with our grief, we are faced with the overwhelming reality that everything Jane had — treasured belongings from her travels, family keepsakes and photos, and the tight-knit community she called home — was destroyed. The neighborhood will never be the same and creating a new path for her feels overwhelming.”
The children said they are “overwhelmed and appreciative by the outpouring of love and support … Thank you all who have already been so generous to our family over the first week, through the incredibly helpful meal train, flowers, essentials, clothes, air purifiers, gifts, and love.”
In addition to donations, they asked for “stories about our father, who, if you had the opportunity to meet him, was a larger-than-life character.”
Over $69,000 has been raised. For more information: www.gofundme.com/f/support-jane-after-fire-and-honor-jeffs-legacy