Tragedy Strikes Altadena: Families Remember Loved Ones Lost in Devastating Eaton Fire

 

An 83-year-old grandfather was found by his family amidst the destruction left by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Los Angeles. The fire, which ravaged the area, claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including Rodney Nickerson, who was discovered dead in his bed on January 9th. His home had been reduced to rubble and ash.

Rodney’s daughter, Kimiko Nickerson, walked through what remained of her childhood home and recalled their last conversation. She said her father’s final words to her on the phone were, “I’ll be here tomorrow.”

Kimiko explained that they found her father’s remains intact among the wreckage. He had refused to leave their family home, which he had bought in 1968 for just $5. The Nickerson family has deep roots in Los Angeles, with Kimiko’s great-grandfather, William Nickerson, being the founder of Nickerson Gardens in Watts, the largest public housing development in the city. Rodney had worked for Lockheed Martin for 45 years as a project engineer.

Kimiko shared that her father was likely about to go to bed when they last spoke around 9:30 p.m., as he was used to waking up early. "That was the last thing he verbally said to me was, 'I'll be here tomorrow,'" she said. Despite warnings from family and neighbors, Rodney insisted he would be fine staying behind.

In a heartbreaking parallel, 66-year-old Victor Shaw, another victim of the fire, was found holding a hose after the flames swept through his neighborhood. His sister, Shari Shaw, believes he was trying to fight back the fire. "He wasn’t in the best of health, but I know he probably fought with all his will," she said, adding that she would miss him dearly.

The fire also claimed the lives of 67-year-old amputee Anthony Mitchell and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy. They had been waiting for an ambulance when they died in the blaze. Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, said authorities later found her father beside his son’s bed.

The fire destroyed over 10,000 structures, and strong winds in densely populated areas exacerbated it. Residents have shared their stories of narrow escapes, and images of the devastation show homes reduced to charred remains.