Man Dies With Hose in Hand Trying to Save Family Home From Eaton Fire

Victor Shaw, a 66-year-old man, has been identified as one of the five fatalities in the devastating Eaton Fire. His family found his body on the side of the road near their Monterose Avenue home on Wednesday morning, with a garden hose still in his hand.

Shaw, who had health issues limiting his mobility, stayed behind to defend the home his family had owned for nearly 55 years as the fire rapidly approached.

Victor’s sister, Shari Shaw, lived with him in the house and pleaded with him to evacuate as the flames drew closer Tuesday night. Despite her warnings, Victor insisted on staying behind to fight the fire.

“When I went back in and yelled out his name, he didn’t reply back, and I had to get out because the embers were so big and flying like a firestorm – I had to save myself,” Shari told KTLA. “I looked behind me, and the house was starting to go up in flames, and I had to leave.”

The next morning, Shari and family friend Al Tanner found Victor’s body near the home. Tanner described the devastating scene, saying, “It looks like he was trying to save the home that his parents had for almost 55 years.”