Remembering the Lives Lost: California Wildfire Death Toll Reaches 16, Several Victims Identified

As the death toll in the California wildfires rises to 16, new heartbreaking information has emerged about the victims.

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Many perished trying to protect their homes or care for loved ones, embodying acts of profound courage and love in the face of overwhelming danger. Anthony Mitchell recalled his father, a 67-year-old great-grandfather, as a “protector” who would do anything for family. Wheelchair-bound after a leg amputation, Anthony Mitchell Sr. stayed behind with his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy and could not walk. The pair were found together.

“He wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Anthony shared with NBC News. “My dad loved his family… we were his treasure.”

Similarly, 83-year-old Erliene Louise Kelley refused to evacuate her Altadena home of over four decades despite warnings.

“She was at peace staying in the home she tended to every day,” said her granddaughter Briana Navarro, recalling Kelley’s active lifestyle and cherished neighborhood connections.

Victor Shaw, 66, died attempting to save his family home. His sister Shari described their frantic last moments amid embers flying “like a firestorm.” Found clutching a garden hose, Shaw’s dedication to preserving the home his parents built was evident even in death.

Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, insisted he would be fine despite family pleas to leave. His daughter found him intact in his bed after the fire passed.

“This is where we’ve been our whole life,” she said, overwhelmed by the loss.

Rory Sykes, a 32-year-old former child actor, born blind and living with cerebral palsy, perished in Malibu after his mother Shelley was unable to rescue him.

“He overcame so much with surgeries & therapies to regain his sight & to be able to learn to walk. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica,” she wrote in a lengthy tribute to her son.

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday. I’m totally heart broken. British born Australian living in America, a wonderful son, a gift born on mine & his grandmas birthday 29 July 92, Rory Callum… pic.twitter.com/X77xyk83gx

— Shelley Sykes (@shelleysykes) January 9, 2025