On the morning of July 23, tragedy struck the life of Los Angeles-based content creator and Hollywood historian John Joseph Krukowski. In under 30 minutes, a fast-moving fire engulfed his apartment, leaving behind nothing but ruin. While John was away, flames tore through his home, claiming everything he owned including irreplaceable keepsakes, work tools, and, most heartbreakingly, his two beloved cats, Fanny and Xena.John didnt just lose his home. He lost the center of his world.The fire began in the kitchen and quickly spread throughout the apartment. Firefighters attempted to salvage what they could, even retrieving the urn containing his late mothers ashes. But the damage was nearly total, including the loss of cherished mementos from his mother, who passed away just two years ago. For John, who had already been navigating the complicated terrain of grief, the loss of his cats deepened the emotional devastation.These werent just pets, writes friend and fundraiser organizer Lauren Skae. They were his family, his joy, his daily comfort in the wake of his mothers death.Anyone who has shared a deep bond with animals understands the void left behind when theyre gone. Fanny and Xena werent just animals they were his companions, his routine, and his emotional anchor. The grief, John says, isnt just about what was lost in the fire. It would all be okay if the cats had made it, hes repeated to friends. That sentiment encapsulates the depth of their bond.Xena named after the legendary Warrior Princess was a sprightly black-and-white cat originally misgendered and named Mr. Arnstein (a reference to Johns favorite film, Funny Girl). Fanny, named after Fanny Brice, was a fluffier, cozier presence, possibly part Maine Coon, who followed John everywhere even into the shower.Both cats were fixtures in Johns daily life and often made appearances in his social media posts, where he shares humorous, heartfelt, and highly researched content about Old Hollywood. His passion for preserving the stories of classic stars and forgotten legends has earned him a dedicated online following and now, that same community is stepping up to support him.John is always the first to show up for others, Skae says. He would never ask for help himself. So Im asking for him.A GoFundMe has been launched to help John get back on his feet. The fundraiser seeks to cover everything from replacing basic necessities to helping him reestablish his work setup a critical step for a self-employed creator whose livelihood depends on digital content and public tours.Many know John from his popular celebrity grave tours at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where he brings humor, historical context, and deep respect to the stories of stars from the Golden Age of cinema. He invites visitors to rediscover these icons not as dusty footnotes in film history, but as vibrant personalities who shaped culture.Now, John is offering those tours once again not just as a way to make ends meet, but also as a form of healing. If youre in the Los Angeles area and have ever been curious about taking my celebrity grave tour, he wrote in a recent post on Threads, now would be a truly meaningful time to join. Your support would not only help me stay afloat financially, but it would also be a comfort to see some familiar faces as I heal.The images of the apartment post-fire are haunting. The roof had collapsed. Ash and debris coated every surface. What wasnt incinerated was rendered toxic by asbestos. It looked like a plane had crashed through his ceiling, Skae described. The devastation was total.Still, through heartbreak, John remains surrounded by an outpouring of love. Fans and friends alike have shared memories, donated what they can, and helped amplify his story. The fundraiser serves not only as a financial lifeline but also as a message: John is not alone.For anyone whos ever chuckled at his Old Hollywood trivia, learned something new from his cemetery tours, or simply appreciated his candor and kindness online, now is the time to give back.In the aftermath of unspeakable loss, Johns story is a reminder of the healing power of community and the strength that comes from chosen family.To support John, you can donate to his GoFundMe here. If youre in Los Angeles, consider joining one of his Hollywood Forever Cemetery tours a heartfelt way to support a friend in need while celebrating the stars of the past.Lets help John continue telling their stories and begin the process of writing his next chapter, too.Source