A 66-year-old man who died in an Eaton fire was found clutching a garden hose: NPR
Victor Shaw loves sports, especially football and basketball. He and his sister often watch games together.
Benita Shaw Malone
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Benita Shaw Malone
When Shari Shaw received the alert to evacuate her Pasadena home before the Eaton Fire, she rushed out — not away from the blaze, but towards it to save the lives of those living just a few miles away brother Victor of Altadena.
Victor, 66, suffers from Asperger syndrome. According to his cousin Benita Shaw Malone, who spoke to the media on behalf of the family, Victor has suffered from poor vision in recent years. and other health complications.
“He lived a quiet life,” Shaw Malone said. “He was Sally's only sibling and one of my few cousins.”
Victor was living in their childhood home in Altadena. Although shy and introverted, Victor loved sports and had a soft spot for his sister, who had been his caregiver for many years.
He especially likes football and basketball. Their cousin said he and his sister often watched games together.
The Eaton Fire continues. It has destroyed more than 14,000 acres northeast of Los Angeles and claimed the lives of at least 16 people.
Shari, 61, was heavily medicated when he arrived on Victor's front steps on Jan. 7, Shaw Malone said. Sally tried to wake him up and pick him up, but since she was smaller than her brother, she couldn't do it on her own.
According to Shaw Malone, Sally rushed outside and drove around to get help, but she couldn't find any firefighters and a deputy she encountered ordered her to evacuate. Shaw Malone said she spoke to Sally on the phone as she sought help.
“I can still hear her voice. She said, 'I can't get Victor out. I can't get Victor out.' She was screaming,” she added. Shaw Malone lives in Long Beach, more than 30 miles from Altadena.
Sally decides to return to Victor, but she soon realizes the house is on fire and the fire is rolling in her direction. Shaw Malone said Sally barely escaped the blaze and part of her car was charred.
Photos of Victor and Sally Shaw's childhood home in Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire.
Benita Shaw Malone
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Benita Shaw Malone
The next day, Sally returned to Altadena and begged law enforcement to visit her childhood home. According to Shaw Malone, Victor was found outside holding a garden hose. “We don't know what he was doing, I guess he was trying to hose down the house,” she added.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner listed Victor's cause of death as “smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.” The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to NPR's request for more information about his death.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department expressed its condolences to the Shaw family and said it would make every effort to save lives. “The initial operational phases of these unprecedented fires were intense and chaotic. The demands of the Eaton Fire placed our crews in horrific conditions in several Foothill communities. Despite tremendous efforts, lives were lost and our firefighters It feels heavy,” a spokesperson told NPR in an email.
Shari lost her brother, her childhood home, and most of the photos of her family in the fire. In their grief, Shaw Malone said they had been trying to figure out how to afford the funeral.
Shaw Malone said her cousin was exhausted. But she added that she admired Sally's commitment to her brother. “The care she showed for Victor over the years was remarkable.”
More information about California wildfires
Resources to help stay safe:
➡️ As fire danger remains high, authorities implore you to comply with evacuation orders
➡️ What to do and what not to do after returning home after a fire evacuation
➡️ Do you have cigarettes at home? Here's How to Make an Air Purifier from a Box Fan
➡️Trying to stay safe during a wildfire? There's an app that can help
Supported response and recovery methods:
➡️ Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say is the most beneficial place and where to find volunteers
➡️ Wildfire Donation and Volunteering: How and Where to Help
➡️ Share: These are the steps fire victims need to take to file an insurance claim
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