Remembering the Victims of the Eaton Fire

Clergymen hold photos of the 19 victims who lost their lives in the Eaton Fire during a remembrance held in the Altadena Grocery Outlet parking lot. Jan. 7, 2026 (Photo – .W.K.)

The Eaton Fire tore through Altadena with devastating speed, leaving behind a community in mourning and a profound human toll.

By Rena Kurlander

Nineteen residents lost their lives in the blaze, many of them longtime neighbors who had built their lives in the foothill streets and canyons now marked by loss.

The names below represent more than statistics: they are parents and children, elders and caregivers, people rooted in this community whose absence will be felt across Altadena for years to come. We list them here to bear witness, to honor their lives, and to acknowledge the scale of what was taken.

1. 1. Oswald Altmetz, 75 – 30 Blk W Pine, Altadena (CT 4603.01)
   2. Carolyn Burns, 56 – 800 Blk E Sacramento, Altadena (CT 4611)
   3. Edwin Cridland, 94 – 200 Blk Wapello, Altadena (CT 4602)
   4. Dalyce Curry, 95 – 3000 Blk Krenz Ave., Altadena (CT 4603.01)
   5. Kevin Devine, 54 – 900 Blk Boston St., Altadena (CT 4612)
   6. Miva Wheatley Friedli, 93 – 80 Blk W Mariposa, Altadena (CT 4603.02)
   7. Erliene Kelley, 83 – 3200 Blk Tonia, Altadena (CT 4602)
   8. Barbara Lewis, 84 – 20 Blk E Palm, Altadena (CT 4602)
   9. Evelyn McClendon, 59 – 100 Blk E Las Flores, Altadena (CT 4602)
   10. Patricia McKenna, 77 – 500 Blk Punahou, Altadena (CT 4602)
   11. Anthony Mitchell, 67 – 100 Blk W Terrace, Altadena (CT 4603.02)
   12. Justin Mitchell, 35 – 100 Blk W Terrace, Altadena (CT 4603.02)
   13. Rodney Nickerson, 82 – 300 Blk Pine Dr., Altadena (CT 4602)
   14. Victor Shaw, 66 – 3400 Blk Monterosa, Altadena (CT 4602)
   15. Lora Swayne, 71 – 500 Blk E Las Flores, Altadena (CT 4602)
   16. Kimberly Winiecki, 77 – 100 Blk E Las Flores, Altadena (CT 4602)
   17. Zhi Feng Zhao, 84 – 3200 Blk Tonia, Altadena (CT 4602)
   18. Stacey Darden, 54 – 2500 Blk Marengo Ave, Altadena (CT 4611)
   19. Juan Francisco Espinoza, 74 – La Vinezia Court, Altadena