An actor who featured in Blues Brothers has died aged 95 after getting caught up in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, her family have confirmed.
Almost 200,000 people were forced to flee Los Angeles as intense wildfires threatened their homes as 12,000 homes have been destroyed.
One of the most damaging wildfires in US history has also meant 24 people have lost their lives.
On Sunday (January 12), the coroner confirmed Blues Brothers extra Dalyce Curry’s remain had been discovered just before 6pm local time that day.
Dalyce Kelley, the actor’s granddaughter announced the tragic news on Facebook by confirming her ‘beloved grandmother’ had died.
“We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating,” she wrote on social media.
KABC reports Kelley last saw her relative at around midnight on Tuesday (7 January), just when the fires had began to wreak havoc across the southern California region.
The Eaton Fire ultimately destroyed Curry’s Altadena property, with Kelley paying the ruins a visit on Friday (January 10) when her grandmother was not counted for.
“I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone. It totally burned down,” an officer told Kelly, as per KABC, after she rushed to the property following a text message stating her grandmother’s house’s power had cut out.
Kelley described what she found as a scene of ‘total devastation’, adding: “Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac.”
Lorée Beamer-Wilkinson, the actor’s other granddaughter, also took to Facebook to share the sad news of her relative’s passing.
“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,” she wrote. “We are devastated, and it’s difficult to comprehend how her life came to this end.
“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 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.”
She continued: “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.”
As well as appearing in Blues Brothers, Curry appeared in The 10 Commandments during her career.
What we know so far about the LA wildfires:
January 2nd
The first warning
The US’ National Weather Service issued a warning of potential strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the first wildfire broke out.
In the following days, a Fire Weather Watch warning was issued, as well as state and local officials giving warnings to the Los Angeles area.
January 7th
The first fire ignites
The Palisade’s Fire ignites, triggering an emergency call to be sent to LA residents advising people near the fire to get set for ‘a potential evacuation’.
Later that day, however, the City of Santa Monica issued an Evacuation Order for all areas of the city north of San Vicente: “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.”
Two more wildfires begin
Just hours after the first wildfire ignites, the second – named the Eaton Fire – breaks out in the Altadena area of LA.
And following this, the Hurst Fire ignites in LA’s Sylmar area as the National Weather Service report gusts of 99mph. A new evacuation order goes out to those in the affected areas as the blazes rapidly spread, scorching and destroying thousands of acres that contain homes and businesses.
January 9th
Prison inmates deployed to help fight fires
Hundreds of incarcerated men and women were deployed to help fight the growing wildfires, with the number of inmates at the frontline standing at 939, the BBC reports.
This practice isn’t uncommon in California, as it is one of 14 US states that uses inmates to help fight fires. Inmates aren’t forced to take part and do so on their own accord, with it being reported they are being paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.
However, inmates with certain convictions – such as arson and sexual offences – aren’t eligible to volunteer.
January 10th
Man arrested for arson
Three days on from the first fire igniting, the LAPD make an arrest after local residents claim that a man on a bike carrying a large blow torch had been trying to set bins and old Christmas trees on fire.
Authorities believe the Kenneth Fire was started intentionally, with the man believed to be responsible being held in custody.
Billion dollar energy company investigated over possible link to wildfires
Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of energy giant Edison International, admitted that its grid experienced a short circuit issue on 7th January, the evening the first fires broke out.
“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,” Edison International said in a press release.
“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
A number of celebrities have been forced to evacuate their homes, many of which have been destroyed. This includes the likes of Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy.
January 13th
40,000 acres of land destroyed
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, more than 40,000 acres have been burned in the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth and Hurst fires.
Homes and businesses are among the more than 12,000 structures that have been destroyed
The death toll rises
Almost a week on from the first fire starting, 24 people have been confirmed by the LA County medical examiner to have died as a result of the blazes.
Officials also confirmed that at least another 16 people remain missing.
