Victor Shaw,Rodney Nickerson Obituary, Death; – At least 11 individuals lost their lives, and thousands of buildings were consumed by intense wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles region. Among the deceased are four men and one woman who either could not evacuate or chose to remain in Altadena, a community adjacent to Pasadena known for its working and middle-class families, many of whom are Black residents with deep-rooted ties to the area.
Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son, Justin, who has cerebral palsy, were awaiting an ambulance for assistance. “They didn’t make it out,” stated Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White. According to her, authorities informed the family that Mitchell was discovered beside his son’s bed in Altadena. The Washington Post reported that the family believes Mitchell was attempting to rescue his son, who is in his early 20s.
“He would never leave his son behind, no matter the circumstances,” White remarked. Residing in Warren, Arkansas, and being Justin’s step-sister, she recounted that her father called her on Wednesday morning to inform her of the need to evacuate due to the encroaching flames. “Then he said, ‘I’ve got to go — the fire’s in the yard,’” she remembered on Thursday.
Another son, also in his 20s, lived with them but was hospitalized at the time, and no caregivers were present, White noted, adding, “It’s incredibly difficult. It feels as though a ton of bricks has fallen on me.” White did not respond to a Facebook message from The Associated Press requesting her comments.
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw chose to remain behind in an effort to combat the Eaton Fire and was later found clutching a garden hose after the fire ravaged his neighborhood.
Shari Shaw recounted to KTLA that she attempted to persuade her 66-year-old brother to evacuate with her on Tuesday night as the fire drew near their home. He expressed his desire to stay and fight the flames, she recalled.
“When I called out his name upon returning inside, he did not respond, and I had to leave because the embers were so large and flying like a firestorm — I had to save myself.”
Shari Shaw informed the news outlet KTLA that she attempted to persuade her 66-year-old brother to evacuate with her on Tuesday night as the fire neared their shared residence. He expressed his desire to remain and combat the flames, she recounted.
“When I returned inside and called out his name, he did not respond, and I had to escape because the embers were enormous and swirling like a firestorm – I needed to prioritize my safety,” she stated. “As I glanced back, I saw the house beginning to ignite, and I had no choice but to leave.”
A family acquaintance, Al Tanner, reported to KTLA that they discovered Victor’s charred remains alongside the road the following morning, with the hose nearby. Tanner remarked, “It appears he was attempting to protect the home that had belonged to his parents for nearly 55 years.”
Rodney Nickerson
Rodney Nickerson, an 82-year-old resident of Altadena, passed away in his bed after choosing to stay behind, believing he would be safe waiting out the fire at home, according to his daughter, Kimiko Nickerson. She spoke with KTLA while standing near the still smoldering ruins of their family home. She noted that her father had faced numerous fires throughout the years.
“He was in the process of gathering some belongings, loading his car a bit, and he mentioned that he would collect his things, but he intended to stay here as well … he believed this would pass and that he would remain safe,” she explained. Kimiko Nickerson shared that her father purchased the home in 1968 with a mere $5 down payment and raised his family there.
