More than twenty people have been confirmed deceased in the wildfires enveloping Los Angeles as of Monday.
The majority of the victims resided in Altadena, a hillside community located near the eastern periphery of the city, where the Eaton fire ravaged thousands of homes. Many of them lived in close proximity to each other on the fringes of the Angeles National Forest.
Among the deceased were a father and his son, who had cerebral palsy, desperate for evacuation assistance, but rescue did not arrive in time. One victim was discovered near a garden hose he had used in a futile attempt to protect his home from the encroaching flames.
In the adjacent Palisades fire, casualties included a hang-glider, a surfer, and a former child star from Australia.
Here is a glimpse into the lives of some of the individuals who perished:
Deaths in the Eaton Fire
Evelyn McClendon
Evelyn McClendon, 59, and lived with three generations of her family in Altadena. She worked various corporate jobs before embracing a quieter life, serving as a bus driver and active church member. She tragically perished despite attempts by her brother to evacuate her.
Oswald Altmetz
Oswald Altmetz, 75, known as “Ozzie,” was an integral part of the Altadena community, known for his love of baseball and jazz music. He tragically perished alongside his dog, Harley, in the fire that consumed his longtime home.
Dalyce Curry
Dalyce Curry, 95, a retired actress and movie extra, perished in her home in Altadena despite her granddaughter’s regret about not insisting on her evacuation after a hospital visit earlier in the day.
Anthony and Justin Mitchell
Anthony Mitchell, 68, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died awaiting rescue that never came. Justin was known for his bright personality, while Anthony was revered for his barbecuing skills and care for his family and neighbors.
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, 66, perished trying to protect his cherished home from the fire, a place filled with sentimental value. Despite efforts by neighbors to find him, he was discovered clutching a garden hose in his yard.
Rodney Nickerson
Rodney Nickerson, 82, a retired aerospace engineer, died near Victor Shaw’s residence. An avid fisherman and sports enthusiast, he refused to evacuate, believing the fire would not reach him.
Erliene Kelley
Erliene Kelley, a retired pharmacy technician, was described as a sweet and beloved member of the Altadena community. Unfortunately, she perished in the fire amidst the chaos of hurried evacuations.
Kim Winiecki
Kim Winiecki, 77, who lived in her Altadena home for over three decades, tragically perished after opting to remain at her property despite offers of evacuation assistance.
Deaths in the Palisades Fire
Mark Shterenberg
Mark Shterenberg, 80, a devoted family man and immigrant, died in the early stages of the Palisades fire. He was known for his dedication to his family and inspiring work ethic.
Charles Mortimer
Charles Mortimer, 84, an adventurous and humorous individual, died in the hospital following heart attack and fire-related injuries. His family remembered him as a vibrant world traveler with an insatiable love for sports.
Arthur Simoneau
Arthur Simoneau, a respected figure in the hang gliding community, perished trying to defend his Topanga home from the flames. Described as fearless and enthusiastic, he was a mentor to many in his hang gliding association.
Randall Miod
Randall Miod, 55, a beloved figure in Malibu and surfing enthusiast, died in the fire that engulfed his coastal home. Despite pleas from his family to evacuate, he chose to stay, expressing his love for the area and his mother.
Rory Sykes
Rory Sykes, 32, a former child star from Australia with cerebral palsy, perished in the fire alongside his mother. He was remembered for his kind and gentle nature, and his tragic death marked the loss of a beautiful soul.
This tragic loss of life highlights the devastating impact of the wildfires on the Los Angeles community.