Influencer Max Emerson and fiance Andres Camilo lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires – and the tragedy led them to end their nearly decade-long relationship.
“After nine years together, we have decided to part ways,” Emerson and Camilo wrote via the joint Instagram statement on Monday, January 13, along with a series of pictures during their relationship. “The fire that took our home accelerated this decision, giving us clarity and simplicity. We have already started exploring different avenues – this tragedy serves as a catalyst for a clean break.”
The duo explained that they realized it was “time to start” their lives again “as individuals,” but noted that they don’t regret the years they spent together.
“Our time together was not wasted,” they continued. “We still love each other completely, deeply and unconditionally. That love does not stop; is developing. We part with respect and gratitude, carrying on all that we have learned.”
Emerson and Camilo discovered earlier this week that their residence was one of the homes lost in the wildfires that began raging through Los Angeles on Jan. 7 when high winds caused the blaze to spread rapidly through Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities. Fires destroyed more than 12,000 buildingsand put over 150,000 people under mandatory evacuation.
At that time, Emerson and Camilo accepted Instagram to find that almost “all” of their neighborhood had “burned to the ground,” but clarified that they were safe in Utah for work.
“We’re very grateful to be somewhere we feel safe now,” Emerson said in a Jan. 10 video. Camilo added: “We feel a great loss because of everything in our home, because of everything our neighbors are going through. Everyone who is displaced.”
While Emerson said they were both “grieving for our planet right now,” Camilo noted that they were also grieving the loss of all their personal belongings, which included things like “art,” “photographs,” and other “valuables.”
“We are filled with gratitude and a deep sense of loss,” Emerson captioned the post, promising to share more in the coming days as “the number of things to consider is overwhelming right now.”
Emerson returned to Instagram On January 11, to share a video of the couple’s house on fire along with a carousel of photos from happier times. He revealed that he and Camilo had “completely renovated” the house “with the intention of starting their family there”.
“Words cannot fully convey the devastation we feel for all that was lost in less than twenty-four hours,” the post captioned the post. “Despite some of our dreams being put on hold, we remain optimistic and excited for the future… all because of the tsunami of love and support we receive from our family, friends and community. It’s all overwhelming, so please bear with us if we’re not super communicative over the next few weeks. Thank you for always showing up for us.”
Emerson concluded the post by saluting their neighbor, who “did everything he could to save our home.”