Victor Shaw Obituary: Eaton Fire victim found holding hose in attempt to save 55-year-old home.
Victor Shaw Obituary – Victor Shaw, a 66-year-old Californian, tragically died in the Eaton Fire after refusing to evacuate his family home of 55 years. Shaw was found holding a garden hose, trying to save the house as the fire engulfed it, according to grieving relatives and friends.
The devastating incident occurred as the fast-moving fire approached the Monterose Avenue home where Shaw lived with his sister, Shari Shaw. Despite her pleas, Victor insisted on staying behind to battle the flames, even though his health issues limited his mobility. As Shari evacuated, she called out for her brother, but he didn’t respond. She had to leave quickly as the embers swirled around her, turning the situation into a firestorm.
The next morning, family friend Al Tanner discovered Victor’s charred remains near the house, still clutching the hose. Tanner described how it seemed Victor was attempting to protect the home his parents had owned for over five decades. Shari was devastated upon learning about her brother’s fate, collapsing in grief. She couldn’t bear to look at his body, which was described as appearing peaceful.
Victor’s body remained on the property as officials faced difficulties retrieving him due to the fire’s conditions. He is one of five confirmed victims of the Eaton Fire, the second largest of the wildfires in Los Angeles County. The fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, has destroyed nearly 1,000 structures and grown to over 10,600 acres, with no containment as of Thursday morning.
