Local News
Victims killed in the California wildfires identified
The Southern California wildfires, fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, have claimed the lives of at least 11 people, devastated thousands of homes, and displaced approximately 180,000 residents.
Among the victims are individuals who made heroic choices, staying behind to protect their homes, care for loved ones, or simply misjudging the speed and ferocity of the fires.
Here is what we know about those who lost their lives:
Randall Miod
The Palisades Fire, which has claimed multiple lives and destroyed countless properties, has taken the life of a well-known and cherished figure in Malibu’s surfing community. Friends and family have confirmed that 55-year-old Miod, a local surfer and long-time Malibu resident, tragically perished in the devastating blaze.
Miod, affectionately known in the community for his love of simplicity and the ocean, lived in a quaint house he called “The Crab Shack.” The home, nestled in the heart of Malibu, reflected his laid-back lifestyle and deep connection to the coastal town.
His close friend Corina Cline described Miod as someone who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was catching waves or spending quiet moments by the sea. “He truly loved living in Malibu. His life was centered around the ocean, his home, and the people he cared about,” Cline shared.
Anthony and Justin Mitchell
Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son, Justin Mitchell, perished in their Altadena home. Anthony, a wheelchair user after a leg amputation last year, refused to leave Justin behind. Justin, who had cerebral palsy and could not walk, was described as enjoying television and having stories read to him. Anthonyโs son remembered him as a devoted “protector” who prioritized family above all else.
Erliene Louise Kelley
Erliene Louise Kelley, 83, was a beloved figure in her community, known for her strong but kind demeanor. She had experienced wildfires before and believed she would be safe. Unfortunately, when flames engulfed her home, Kelley was unable to escape. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, described her as a “sweet” yet “stern” matriarch who was cherished by many in the neighborhood.
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, 66, died while trying to defend his family home from the Eaton Fire. The house had been in the Shaw family for more than five decades. His sister, Shari Shaw, lived with him and recalled trying to convince him to leave as flames approached their property. Despite her efforts, Victor stayed behind to protect the home.
Rodney Kent Nickerson
Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, reassured his family and neighbors that he would be fine, refusing to evacuate his Altadena home. Nickerson, a retired project engineer manager at Lockheed Martin with a 45-year career, was determined to protect the home he had lived in since 1968. He was last seen hosing down his property around 7 p.m. Tuesday. His daughter, Kimiko, shared that her fatherโs confidence and attachment to the home ultimately cost him his life.
Rory Sykes
Former Australian child star Rory Sykes, 32, who was born blind and had cerebral palsy, died in his familyโs Malibu estate. The cottage where Rory lived was consumed by flames on Wednesday, leaving his mother unable to save him. Rory gained fame in the late 1990s for his role in the British TV show Kiddy Kapers. His passing adds a layer of tragedy to an already devastating event.
Officials have cautioned that the death toll may rise as investigators face significant barriers, including active flames, downed power lines, and unstable structures, preventing access to affected areas.
The wildfires have left an indelible mark on Southern California communities, with stories of loss and heroism emerging amidst the devastation. Emergency responders and federal agencies like FEMA continue to assist displaced residents, with over 16,000 applications for aid already filed.
As the fires rage on, officials urge residents to heed evacuation orders and prioritize safety above all else.
UPDATE: Search efforts have been suspended following the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, marking another tragic loss for the cityโs historic fishing community.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early Friday morning by the vesselโs emergency beacon after it activated in the water; no mayday call was received.
Responders located a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and one deceased individual in the water.
Six other crew members remain missing and are presumed lost after an extensive air and sea search yielded no additional results.
The Coast Guard cited frigid water temperatures, challenging weather conditions, and the vast search area in its decision to suspend operations.
GLOUCESTER, Mass. โ Authorities have identified all seven individuals who lost their lives after the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, early Friday morning, marking a devastating loss for Gloucesterโs historic fishing community.
The Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel measuring between 72 and 80 feet in length and homeported in Gloucesterโthe nationโs oldest working fishing portโactivated its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. Friday while returning to port.
No mayday call was received, and subsequent attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful.
The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and multiple surface assets to the area of the distress signal.
Crews located a debris field and an unoccupied life raft roughly 25 miles offshore near the EPIRB activation site, confirming the vessel had sunk to the ocean floor. One deceased individual was recovered from the water.
The remaining six crew members were later presumed lost after extensive search efforts yielded no additional results.
Officials confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, revising earlier reports that indicated six.
The seven individuals who perished aboard the Lily Jean are:
- John Paul Rousanidis, 33, of Salem/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Sean Therrien, 44, of Lynn/Peabody, Massachusetts
- Freeman Short, of the Marshfield/Scituate area
- Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a well-known and respected Gloucester fisherman
- Paul Beal Sr., deckhand
- Paul Beal Jr., deckhand and son of Paul Beal Sr.
- Jada Samitt, 22, of Virginia
Jada Samitt, the seventh crew member identified, was serving aboard the vessel in the role of a federal fisheries observer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She had recently relocated to Massachusetts to pursue her passion for environmental biology, graduating last year. Family members said joining the Lily Jean crew was her first major professional role at sea and a lifelong dream.
Her aunt, Heather Michaels, described Samitt as a compassionate and driven young woman who deeply respected her captain and dedicated herself fully to her work. โShe put her heart and soul into this opportunity,โ family members said, noting her commitment to marine conservation and the fishing community.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported taking on water shortly before contact was lost.
The vessel is now presumed fully submerged.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gloucesterโs close-knit maritime community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knew the vesselโs owner, emphasized the daily risks faced by commercial fishermen. โI hope people really take a moment to understand the sacrifices these men and women make to put food on our tables,โ she said. โThis is heartbreaking.โ
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also expressed condolences, highlighting Gloucesterโs deep fishing heritage. โGloucester has a long fishing history, and that history includes tragic loss,โ Tarr said. โIt appears we are experiencing another of those painful chapters.โ
Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she was โheartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester,โ adding that her administration has offered full assistance to local officials and the Coast Guard. She extended prayers to the victimsโ families and the broader fishing community across Cape Ann and the Commonwealth.
Community members and local businesses have continued to share messages of remembrance and solidarity. Taylor Hunt, a relative of Freeman Short, posted a tribute honoring the crew, writing in part: โThe salt has been in our blood for generationsโฆ A man is not lost while the sea remembers his name. Fair winds and following seas.โ
The Lily Jean had previously been featured on the History Channel series NorโEaster Men, which documented the dangers and demands of New Englandโs commercial fishing industry.
While search operations have concluded, the Coast Guard and relevant agencies continue to review the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Officials have stated that further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.
Authorities have urged the public to keep the victimsโ families and Gloucesterโs fishing community in their thoughts and prayers during this period of profound loss.