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Influencers Max Emerson and fiancé Andres Camilo lost their home in the wildfires in Los Angeles – and the tragedy led to the end of their almost ten-year relationship.
“After nine years together, we have decided to separate,” Emerson and Camilo wrote via a joint Instagram statement on Monday, Jan. 13, along with a series of photos throughout their relationship. “The fire that took our home accelerated this decision by giving us clarity and simplicity. We had already begun to explore different avenues – this tragedy serves as a catalyst for a clean break.”
The duo explained that they have realized it is “time to start” their lives again “as individuals”, but noted that they do not regret the years they spent together.
“Our time together was not wasted,” they continued. “We still love each other fully, deeply and unconditionally. That love does not end; it evolves. We part with respect and gratitude, passing on 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 through Los Angeles on Jan. 7 as high winds sent brush fires spreading rapidly through the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding neighborhoods. The fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and placed over 150,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.
At the time, Emerson and Camilo took to Instagram to reveal that nearly their “entire” neighborhood was “burned to the ground,” but clarified that they were safely in Utah for work.
“We’re very grateful to be in a place that feels safe right now,” Emerson said in the Jan. 10 video. Camilo added: “We feel a great loss for everything in our home, for everything our neighbors are going through. Everyone who has been displaced.”
While Emerson said they are both “grieving for our planet right now,” Camilo noted that they are also grieving the loss of all of their personal possessions, which included things like “art,” “photos,” and other “valuable possessions.”
“We are filled with gratitude and a deep sense of loss,” Emerson told the post, promising to share more in the coming days as “the amount of things to consider is overwhelming at the moment.”
Emerson returned to Instagram on January 11 to share a video of the couple’s home in flames alongside a carousel of photos from happier times. He revealed that he and Camilo “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 wrote for the post. “Despite some of our dreams being put on hold, we remain optimistic and excited about the future … and it’s all because of the tsunami of love and support we receive from our family, friends and community .It’s all very overwhelming, so please be patient if we’re not super communicative for the next few weeks. Thank you for always showing up for us.”
Emerson ended the post by giving a shoutout to their neighbor, who “did everything he could to save our home.”