Here’s What We Know About The Victims

Topline

At least 24 people have been killed by the Palisades and Eaton fires—the largest of the several wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area in the past week—including a former child actor, a surfer from Malibu, and a 67-year-old amputee who refused to leave his disabled son behind.

At least 24 people have been killed by the wildfires in Los Angeles County so far.

Key Facts

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said 16 deaths were linked to the Eaton Fire and eight to the Palisades Fire.

Luna added that dozens of more missing reports have come in and investigators are reconciling if some of the reported missing people may be among the people who have died.

The toll is likely to rise further as police have deployed cadaver dogs to conduct search and recovery operations in the impacted zones.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 16 people remained missing as of Sunday evening.

Luna added that dozens of more missing reports have come in and investigators are reconciling if some of the reported missing people may be among the people who have died.

Both Luna and L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the search operations could take some time as crews have to search “house to house,” while dealing with several hazards.

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Who Are Anthony Mitchell Sr. And Justin Mitchell?

The Eaton Fire killed Anthony Mitchell Sr., 67, and his son Justin Mitchell in their Altadena home, while they were waiting to be evacuated. Mitchell Sr., an amputee who used a wheelchair reportedly refused to leave his son—who suffered from cerebral palsy and was unable to walk—behind. Anthony Mitchell’s son, who shares his name, told several news outlets that his father was waiting for rescuers to help get his son out of his bed. Mitchell said some relatives tried to intervene and help but were stopped by firefighters from entering the evacuation zone. Mitchell told NBC News his father could have probably “gotten himself out, but he wasn’t going to leave my brother…He really loved his kids.”

Who Is Rory Sykes?

Rory Sykes, 32, died in his Malibu home after it was engulfed by the Palisades Fire, his mother Shelley announced on X. A former child actor who starred in the 90s British show “Kiddy Kapers,” Sykes was born blind and had cerebral palsy. He later became a motivational speaker, after multiple surgeries and physical therapies helped him regain sight and learn to walk. Despite this, Sykes still had difficulty moving and his mother was unable to help as she had a broken arm. She told an Australian news network she drove to the local fire department to seek help, but hydrants in the area did not have water.

Who Is Randy Miod?

Randy Miod, 55, a surfer who the Malibu Times described as a “beloved” local figure, was killed by the Palisades fire at his home. Miod’s body was found holding his kitten at his home, which his friends knew as the “Crab Shack.” In an interview with CNN, Miod’s mother Carol Smith said she had spoken to her son on Tuesday and he told her that he was prepared to deal with the fire with his garden hose. “He’d been through so many of these fires and made it through unscathed. I think he thought he could do it again,” she said.

Who Is Erliene Kelley?

Erliene Kelley, 83, was killed by the Eaton Fire in her Altadena home on Tuesday night after refusing to evacuate the home she lived in for more than four decades. Kelley’s granddaughter Briana Navarro told the Los Angeles Times that her grandmother refused to evacuate, as earlier fires in the area had never reached her house. Navarro, who lived in the same house as Kelley with her husband and two kids, said in a GoFundMe post that her family had “lost everything due to the fire,” and shared photos of their burned-down home. The fundraiser to help her family has raised more than $25,000.

Who Is Annette Rossilli?

Annette Rossilli, 85, refused to leave her home in Pacific Palisades after declining to evacuate with her neighbors as she wanted to stay back with her five pets—a dog, a canary, two parrots and a turtle. Firefighters discovered Rossilli’s body in her car on Wednesday.

Who Are Some Of The Other People Killed In The Fires?

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said 84-year-old Charles Mortimer was killed by the Palisades Fire while he was in a hospital in the area. Mortimer died from a heart attack triggered by fire-related injuries and smoke inhalation. Victor Shaw, 66, was killed by the Eaton Fire at his home in Altadena after trying to protect his home from the fire with a garden hose. The Eaton Fire also killed Rodney Nickerson, 83, as it burned through his home in Altadena. Nickerson’s granddaughter told CBS affiliate KCAL News that he insisted on staying back in their family home, which he purchased in 1968 for only $5.