Influencer Max Emerson and fiance Andres Camilo lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires — and the tragedy caused them to end their nearly decade-long relationship.
“After nine years together, we have decided to separate,” Emerson and Camilo wrote via joint Instagram statement on Monday, January 13, along with a series of photos from throughout their relationship. “The fire that took our home accelerated that decision by giving us clarity and simplicity. We were already beginning to explore different avenues – this tragedy served as the 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. This love never ends; it evolves. We part with respect and gratitude, carrying forward all that we have learned.”
Emerson and Camilo revealed earlier this week that their residence was one of the homes lost in the wildfires that began raging in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, when high winds caused brush fires to spread quickly through the Pacific Palisades and surrounding neighborhoods. Fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structuresand placed over 150,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.
At that time, Emerson and Camilo got busy Instagram to reveal that nearly “their entire” 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 right now,” Emerson said in the Jan. 10 video. Camilo added: “We feel a great sense of loss for everything in our home, for everything our neighbors are going through. All who have been displaced.’
While Emerson said they were both “grieving for our planet right now,” Camilo noted that they were also grieving the loss of all of their personal belongings, which included things like “art,” “photographs,” and other “treasured possessions.”
“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 amount of things to consider right now is overwhelming.”
Emerson returned Instagram on Jan. 11 to share a video of the couple’s home in flames, along with a carousel of photos from happier times. He revealed that he and Camilo have “completely restored” the house “with the hope of starting our family” there.
“Words cannot fully convey the devastation we feel for all that was lost in less than twenty-four hours,” he captioned the post. “Although some of our dreams have been put on hold, we remain optimistic and excited about the future… and it’s all because of the tsunami of love and support we’ve received from our family, friends and community. It’s all very 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 ended the post by praising their neighbor who “did everything he could to save our home.”
