Remembering the victims of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires

Amna Nawaz:

Well, it's now been two weeks since the wildfires began ravaging parts of Southern California.

And at least 27 people have lost their lives. As we learn more about the victims, we remember some of those who were lost and the legacies they leave behind.

We begin tonight with these nine stories.

Fifty-five-year-old Randall Miod was an avid surfer and life of the party, according to his mother, Carol, who begged him to evacuate. The last thing he told her was: "Pray for the Palisades and pray for Malibu. I love you."

Anthony Mitchell, 67, was a retired amputee. His son Justin was in his early 20s and had cerebral palsy. Mitchell was waiting for an ambulance to evacuate them. Mitchell's daughter, Hiji, told reporters — quote — "He was not going to leave his son behind, no matter what."

Victor Shaw, 66, lived in Altadena and died with a garden hose in his hand. He was shy in nature, but had a deep affection for his sister Shari, who attempted to get her brother to safety before barely escaping herself.

Shari Shaw, Sister of Victor Shaw: I went down the street and there was a police car and I flagged him. And I said: "My brother's in the house. I need help."

And he told me to get out. He said: "Go."

Amna Nawaz:

Erliene Kelley, a retired pharmacist, lived in the family's Altadena home for decades and insisted on staying. Her granddaughter Briana told reporters — quote — "My grandmother was really active. I thought she would be 99 just walking around." Kelley was 83 years old.

Arthur Simoneau, 69, died trying to save his home. He was a hang gliding enthusiast and known as a free spirit. His friend Steve said — quote — "Arthur was a good friend to me and a great pilot. It's because of Arthur that I visited many places I may not have gone otherwise."

Ninety-five-year-old Dalyce Curry was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the 1920s but was always destined for Hollywood. Her granddaughter, also named Dalyce attempted to get to her grandmother's home as the fires burned, but was unable to.

Dalyce Kelley, Granddaughter of Dalyce Curry: So I will live with that regret for the rest of my life that I should have did something else.

Amna Nawaz:

Rodney Nickerson was a grandfather of four and known as a leader at his Baptist church. His daughter Kimiko told reporters — quote — "The last thing he said to me as we encouraged him to leave was: 'Don't worry, I will be here tomorrow.'" Nickerson was 82.

Thirty-two-year-old Rory Sykes overcame so much in life. He was born blind and with cerebral palsy, but after numerous surgeries, he regained partial eyesight and learned to walk with help. His mother, Shelley, wrote on X — quote — "Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me."

Geoff Bennett:

Our thoughts are with those families and all those who suffered losses in the fires.