Victor Shaw, aged 66, has been identified as one of the individuals tragically killed by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles this week. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined that Shaw's cause of death was due to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
Shaw's family had previously confirmed his identity in an interview with KTLA. According to his sister, Shari Shaw, Victor chose not to evacuate and instead attempted to combat the fire himself. The blaze, which began on Tuesday, ravaged the community, causing damage to an estimated 5,000 structures as reported by local fire officials.
Reports indicate that Victor Shaw was discovered near the family home, where they had resided for nearly 55 years. He was found with a garden hose still in hand after parts of the community were flattened by the fire.
Authorities have sadly confirmed a total of at least 11 deaths in the wildfires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area. However, due to ongoing safety concerns such as active flames, downed power lines, and gas leaks, investigators are unable to access certain areas to accurately assess the true extent of the casualties.
