Victor Shaw, 66, tragically lost his life attempting to save his family home of 55 years from the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles.
His body was discovered on Wednesday morning, January 8, by a family friend, clutching a garden hose outside the Monterose Avenue residence he shared with his younger sister, Shari Shaw, according to KTLA.
Shari recounted her efforts to convince Victor to evacuate on Tuesday night as the fast-moving wildfire approached. Despite health issues limiting his mobility, Victor insisted on staying to defend their home.
“When I went back in and yelled out his name, he didn’t reply back,” Shari told KTLA. “I had to leave because the embers were so big, flying like a firestorm. I looked behind me, and the house was already going up in flames.”
Family friend Al Tanner found Victor’s body the next morning near the house, still holding the garden hose.
“It looks like he was trying to save the home his parents had owned for almost 55 years,” Tanner said.
Shari collapsed upon hearing the devastating news, unable to face the sight of her brother’s body. “They told me he looked peaceful, like he was at peace,” she shared.
Victor Shaw is one of five confirmed victims of the Eaton Fire, now the second-largest wildfire in Los Angeles County. As of Thursday morning, the fire had consumed more than 10,600 acres and destroyed 972 structures.
The Los Angeles area continues to face devastation from multiple wildfires, with the Palisades and Eaton Fires collectively burning over 25,000 acres and destroying more than 1,000 buildings.
