Tragedy has struck the home of actor Eric Christian Olsen, known to fans worldwide as Marty Deeks from NCIS: Los Angeles. Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Olsen family has suffered a heartbreaking loss — the destruction of their home in the Palisades Fire.
On January 15, Eric’s wife Sarah Wright Olsen confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post shared on The Mother Daze Podcast’s official account, which she co-hosts.
“We lost our home,” she wrote. “It was one of the first areas to go.”
Sarah described the surreal and painful experience of witnessing their lives change in an instant, noting that she first smelled the smoke herself just days earlier. By midweek, the family’s home was in ashes — along with the memories they had spent over a decade building.
A Family Safe, But Shaken
Despite the unimaginable loss, Sarah confirmed the most important thing: the family is safe. She and Eric, 47, share three young children — Wyatt (11), Esmé Olivia (8), and Winter Story (4) — all of whom were unharmed.
“It’s impossible to put into words these last few days. We are together and safe and surrounded by love,” Sarah wrote, before thanking Eric’s brother Dave and sister-in-law Daniela Ruah — Eric’s NCIS: LA co-star — for opening their doors during the crisis.
“Thank you to uncle Dave and aunt Dani who took in so many of us.”
She reflected on the emotional weight of losing their home of 13 years, adding:
“Our kids have said ‘we all took our first steps there.’ It’s so hard to say goodbye to our gorgeous town, our special school and this place we have loved for 13 years.”
A Community of Support
Sarah, also the co-founder of clean skincare brand Baeo, expressed her deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and generosity from their community — and even strangers.
“We have received so many messages from friends offering their homes, food, clothing, hugs, things for the kids, support and we are just blown away. 😭. It’s what keeps making us tear up. Thank you — it means so much to us.”
Her post included a touching photo of the family of five standing hand-in-hand at a beach overlook, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean — a quiet moment of reflection and resilience amid chaos. She also shared three haunting images of their burned-down home, including twisted rubble and a car reduced to ash.
A Worsening Crisis in Los Angeles
The Olsen family’s tragedy is one of thousands in what is now being called the most destructive firestorm in Los Angeles history. Since igniting on January 7, the Palisades and Eaton Fires have scorched thousands of acres, with over 12,300 buildings destroyed and 24 confirmed fatalities. As of the latest reports, containment remains difficult — at just 21% for Palisades and 45% for Eaton.
Looking Forward with Hope
While their home may be gone, the Olsen family’s spirit remains intact — bolstered by love, community, and a deep appreciation for what matters most: each other. With a new baby on the way and an overwhelming network of support behind them, Eric and Sarah are determined to rebuild — not just their house, but their sanctuary.
As Sarah ended her post:
“More soon. ❤️”
