27 Dead in Los Angeles Area Fires as Medical Examiner Identifies 17 Victims
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has identified 17 victims of the devastating Southern California wildfires that erupted on January 7, 2025, with more bodies still being discovered. The fires have destroyed over 13,600 structures across Altadena, Malibu, and Topanga communities. Many victims died defending their properties or were unable to evacuate due to disabilities, while others refused to leave their pets behind. Officials warn the death toll may rise as fires continue to destroy neighborhoods.
5 Key Points
- The Medical Examiner has identified seventeen victims ranging in age from 32 to 95.
- Fires have destroyed more than 13,600 structures across the Los Angeles area.
- Multiple victims died attempting to defend homes they had lived in for decades.
- Several casualties involved disabled or elderly residents who could not evacuate quickly.
- The Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire caused the majority of confirmed deaths.
Father and Son Among First Identified Victims
Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin Mitchell died together in their Altadena home on January 8. The elder Mitchell, who used a wheelchair, refused to leave his son, who had cerebral palsy. “He probably could have gotten himself out, but he wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Anthony Mitchell Jr. told NBC News. Their last communication came at 5 a.m. January 8, reporting flames across the street. The senior Mitchell gave each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren nicknames, while Justin was remembered as a “real sweet kid” who enjoyed television and being read to.
Elderly Residents Perished in Altadena Fires
Five elderly Altadena residents lost their lives in the Eaton Fire. Erliene Louise Kelley, 83, died in her home of four decades despite her granddaughter’s pleas to evacuate. Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, a retired Lockheed Martin project engineer manager of 45 years, perished while protecting his property. Kim Winiecki, 77, died after telling friends she would “pack up a few things” if needed. Zhi Feng Zhao, 84, succumbed to the flames. At the same time, Dalyce “Mama Dee” Curry, 95, a former Hollywood extra who appeared in “The Ten Commandments” and “The Blues Brothers,” may not have received evacuation alerts due to not having a cell phone.
Entertainment Industry Figures Lost to Flames
Rory Sykes, 32, a former Australian child star who appeared in “Kiddy Kapers,” died in his Malibu cottage after his mother could not evacuate him due to his blindness and cerebral palsy. “He said, ‘Mom, leave me.’ And no mom could leave their kid,” Shelley Sykes told Australian outlet 10 News First through tears. Randall Lawrence “Craw Daddy” Miod, a well-known Malibu figure, perished at his “Crab Shack” after telling his mother, “No, Mom, I don’t trust the fire department, and I have a hose.”
Residents Died Defending Their Properties
Victor Shaw, 66, was found with a garden hose in his hand while trying to save his family’s home of over five decades. Arthur Simoneau, 69, a hang-glider pilot of four decades, died near his Topanga doorway after rushing back from a ski trip to protect his home. Charles Mortimer, 84, remembered by his niece as a “world traveler” with “a brilliant mind,” perished in the Palisades Fire. Jeffrey Takeyama, 69, was last seen in Malibu on January 7 before succumbing to the flames.
Additional Victims and Legal Action
Annette Rossilli, 85, described as “sweet” and “very bubbly” by her care provider, refused to leave her home and her multiple pets, including two parrots and a canary. Carolyn Burns, 56, who was bedridden, died in an unincorporated area of Altadena. Edwin Cridland, 94, perished in the fires. At the same time, Evelyn McClendon’s death has prompted civil rights attorney Ben Crump to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility company’s failure to turn off power despite dangerous conditions.
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