Information is starting to surface regarding the individuals affected by the Los Angeles fires, with at least two casualties having lost their lives in efforts to safeguard the residences where they nurtured their families for many years.
The fatality count from the wildfires has risen from 11 to 13, as reported by authorities.
The Eaton fire has claimed the lives of eight individuals, while the Palisades fire has resulted in five fatalities.
LA fires latest: New evacuation order as 13 confirmed dead
Here’s what we have learned thus far about the victims:
Anthony Mitchell. Pic: family photo via NBC News
Anthony and Justin Mitchell
The 67-year-old great-grandfather of ten perished in his Altadena residence. His son, Justin Mitchell, also lost his life.
Anthony’s older sibling, who shares the same name, conveyed to Sky News’s US affiliate NBC News: “He likely could have evacuated himself, but he refused to abandon my brother.
“He had such a deep love for his children.”
Erliene Louise Kelley. Pic: Briana Novarro via NBC News
Erliene Louise Kelley
Briana Navarro, aged 33, cohabited with her grandmother at their family home in Altadena, along with her spouse and two daughters.
Mrs. Navarro mentioned to NBC News that her husband had urged them to evacuate.
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However, Mrs. Kelley assured them that she felt secure and chose to remain in her home.
Law enforcement authorities informed Mrs. Navarro on Thursday evening that her grandmother perished as the fire enveloped their residence.
She expressed her belief that her grandmother was “at peace” in the home she “cared for daily” for over forty years.
Victor Shaw. Pic: Family photo via ABC News
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, aged 66, was endeavoring to safeguard his family dwelling, which had been preserved in the family for more than fifty years when he met his fate on Tuesday night during the Eaton Fire.
His sister, Shari Shaw, shared with ABC News that they cohabited in the same home, and as the flames began to overtake the property, she pleaded with him to evacuate.
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She recounted how he fell in a “courageous attempt” to shield his dwelling in Altadena, with his body discovered in front of the house, still grasping a garden hose.
“I can’t fathom what must have gone through his mind, how terrified he might have been,” Ms. Shaw expressed.
“I couldn’t be there; I couldn’t be there to rescue him. That’s what pains me the most.”
Rodney Nickerson. Pic: Kimiko Nickerson via NBC
Rodney Kent Nickerson
Rodney Kent Nickerson, aged 83, had provided assurances to his family that he would be safe as they and his neighbours attempted to persuade him to evacuate his residence in Altadena.
His daughter, Kimiko Nickerson, recounted to KCAL News: “My son endeavored to persuade him to leave, and my neighbours, along with myself, made similar attempts. He insisted he would be alright and assured us he would be here when we returned.”
“He claimed his residence would still stand.”
On Tuesday evening around 7pm, Mr. Nickerson was seen outside attempting to dampen his property, and the last communication Ms. Nickerson had with him was via FaceTime just over two hours later.
“His home was intact, and he was too. I discovered him in his bed. His entire body was whole,” she noted.
Rory Sykes. Pic: Shelley Sykes via X
Rory Sykes
The former Australian child actor, who was visually impaired from birth and suffered from cerebral palsy, passed away on Wednesday after his mother indicated she was unable to rescue him from their burning home.
Shelley Sykes explained that his cottage succumbed to the flames during the Palisades Fire while she struggled to extinguish the embers on the roof due to insufficient water supply.
She conveyed to Australia’s 10 News First that she had a fractured arm and was unable to lift or move her son.
Mrs. Sykes made her way to the nearest fire station seeking assistance, but when the firefighters returned her home, she found Rory’s “cottage was completely destroyed”.
