The devastating Los Angeles wildfires have claimed 24 lives so far.
The Los Angeles wildfires have claimed the life of a 95-year-old actor who appeared in the iconic film Blues Brothers. Her family has now confirmed the devastating news.
The wildfires have forced nearly 200,000 people to evacuate their homes as the flames have consumed over 12,000 structures across the region.
Tragically, 24 people have already lost their lives, making this one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in US history.
On Sunday, January 12, the coroner confirmed that the remains of Blues Brothers extra Dalyce Curry were found shortly before 6 PM local time.
The sad news was shared on Facebook by her granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley.
She wrote: “We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating,”
Blues Brothers extra Dalyce Curry has died
Dalyce Curry/Facebook
KABC reported that Kelley last saw her grandmother around midnight on Tuesday, January 7, as the fires began to engulf parts of Southern California.
Curry’s Altadena property was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Kelley visited the ruins on Friday, January 10, hoping to locate her grandmother but was met with devastating news instead.
An officer reportedly told her: “I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone. It totally burned down,” Kelley recalled seeing firsthand the destruction caused by the fire.
Kelley described the scene as being one of complete devastation, stating: “Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac.”
Lorée Beamer-Wilkinson, another granddaughter, also took to Facebook to share the tragic loss with the family and community.
She wrote: “With a heavy heart, I share that our search for Momma D has come to an end, as her remains were found in her home,” and added: “We are devastated, and it’s difficult to comprehend how her life came to this end.”
The LA wildfires have sent shockwaves across the world
David McNew/Getty Images
Beamer-Wilkinson expressed her gratitude for having known her grandmother, stating: “I feel so grateful for the love and opportunity to have known her, even if only for a short time. Momma D was an extraordinary woman who welcomed me and my children into her life with open arms.”
She went on to highlight Curry’s incredible life and spirit, saying: “She radiated positivity, showed grace, and lived as a shining example of strength, resilience, and kindness. Her story is one of breaking barriers, overcoming challenges, and spreading love wherever she went.”
Reflecting on her grief, she added: “I miss her deeply and am working through the waves of regret—wishing I had called her more, shared more moments. But I know the best way to honor her is to keep her memory alive and cherish the beautiful moments we shared.”
Aside from her role in Blues Brothers, Curry also appeared in The Ten Commandments, leaving behind a legacy in Hollywood.
24 people have confirmed to have died as a result of the wildfires
AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images
What we know so far about the LA wildfires:
January 2nd
The first warning
The US National Weather Service issued an alert about strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the first wildfire started.
As the week went on, a Fire Weather Watch warning followed, and state and local officials began issuing alerts for the Los Angeles area.
January 7th
The first fire ignites
The Palisades Fire broke out, triggering an emergency alert to LA residents, urging those nearby to prepare for a potential evacuation.
Later that day, Santa Monica authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents north of San Vicente: “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.”
Two more wildfires begin
Hours after the Palisades Fire started, the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena, followed by the Hurst Fire in Sylmar. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts reaching 99 mph, worsening the situation.
Evacuation orders were expanded as flames destroyed thousands of acres, homes, and businesses in the affected areas.
January 9th
Prison inmates deployed to help fight fires
Nearly 940 incarcerated individuals, including men and women, joined the firefighting efforts.
Inmates volunteered to assist in battling the wildfires, earning between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.
However, those convicted of crimes like arson and sexual offenses were not eligible to participate.
January 10th
Man arrested for arson
Three days after the wildfires began, the LAPD arrested a man suspected of intentionally starting the Kenneth Fire.
Witnesses reported seeing the man with a blowtorch attempting to ignite bins and Christmas trees.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Billion dollar energy company investigated over possible link to wildfires
Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of Edison International, acknowledged a short circuit in its grid on January 7, the same evening the fires broke out.
The company stated in a press release: “On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting,”
They further explained: “SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”
A-list celebrities forced out of their homes
Several celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy, were forced to evacuate as the fires approached their properties. Many of their homes have been destroyed.
January 13th
40,000 acres of land destroyed
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that over 40,000 acres were burned in the fires, which affected areas like Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst.
More than 12,000 homes and businesses were among the structures destroyed.
The death toll rises
A week after the fires started, the LA County medical examiner confirmed 24 fatalities. Additionally, at least 16 people remain missing as the fires continue to devastate the area.