Erliene Louise Kelley. Victor Shaw. Rodney Nickerson.
Southern California Wildfires: Remembering the Victims
As destructive wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, stories of loss and heroism have emerged, highlighting the lives of those who perished. Sixteen people have been confirmed dead, though the toll may rise as fires fueled by dry conditions and fierce winds destroy neighborhoods. Here are the stories of some victims.
Anthony and Justin Mitchell
Anthony Mitchell Sr., 67, a great-grandfather of 10, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died in their Altadena home. Anthony Jr. described his father as a protector who prioritized family.
Anthony Sr., who used a wheelchair after losing a leg, refused to leave without Justin, who couldn’t walk. "He probably could have gotten himself out but wasn’t going to leave my brother," Anthony Jr. said.
The elder Mitchell cherished his family, often expressing that they were his greatest treasure. “Money and property don’t matter; my kids and family are my treasure,” he once said. Justin, remembered as a kind soul, enjoyed watching TV and being read to.
Erliene Louise Kelley
Erliene Louise Kelley, 83, known for her kindness and deep community ties, perished in her Altadena home. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, recalled her as "sweet but stern," someone everyone in the neighborhood admired.
When fire approached, Kelley, who had lived in her home for over 40 years, chose to stay behind, believing she’d be safe. Her family is mourning the loss, grappling with the tragic end of someone so full of life.
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, 66, was killed while trying to save his family’s home of over five decades during the Eaton Fire. His sister, Shari Shaw, recounted trying to persuade him to leave as flames consumed their property.
Shari later found Victor’s body on a nearby road, clutching a garden hose. “He was trying to save the home his parents had for almost 55 years,” said family friend Al Tanner.
Rodney Kent Nickerson
Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, an aerospace engineer who worked for Lockheed Martin for 45 years, died in his Altadena home. Despite pleas from family and neighbors to evacuate, he insisted on staying, confident he would be safe.
Nickerson was discovered in his bed, intact, after the fire. His daughter Kimiko, reflecting on the loss, said, “This home has been our life since 1968. I don’t know anywhere else.”
Rory Sykes
Rory Sykes, 32, a former Australian child star born blind with cerebral palsy, died in the Palisades Fire. Rory lived in a cottage on his family’s Malibu estate, where the fire engulfed the property.
His mother, Shelley Sykes, recounted her heartbreak. Despite a broken arm and limited resources, she tried to save Rory but was ultimately unable to protect him. "He said, ‘Mom, leave me.’ And no mom could leave their kid," she said tearfully.
As Southern California mourns, these stories remind us of the human cost of the fires and the resilience of the families left behind.
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