x
Breaking News
More () »

Remembering the victims of the Camp Fire

A closer look at the lives lost in the Camp Fire that affected several communities in Butte County.

If you're viewing on the ABC10 App, tap here for multimedia.

The Camp Fire has claimed the lives of at least 85 people in and around Paradise, making it the most deadly wildfire in the California state history.

This page is meant to remember the people who have lost their lives through photos and information provided by their friends and family members.

Lolene Rios, 56

Credit: Rios family photo
Lolene Rios was a victim of the Camp Fire.

Jed Amendola remembers his mother, Lolene Rios, as a pinnacle of strength, a gracious woman, a loving mother, and a friend to many.

"She's a very caring and compassionate person. Always willing to help give advice, offer whatever she could at any time," Amendola said.

Rios is survived by her son and her husband of 30 years, Rick Rios, who is recovering from burn injuries while he tried to fight the fire on their roof.

Jesus Fernandez,48

Credit: Fernandez family photo

A family member of Jesus Fernandez said the following in a statement:

"Jesus Alejandro Fernandez, or 'Zeus' was the epitome of determination, respect, loyalty and perseverance. A tireless provider, a dependable and loyal friend, a considerate neighbor and a loving father. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Randy Dodge,66, and Paula Dodge, 70

Credit: Dodge family photo
Randy and Paula Dodge died in the Camp Fire.

Paula and Randy Dodge died in the Camp Fire and are survived by Deanna Hamilton, Randy’s sister, and other family members. Randy served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked on an oil refinery. His sister described him as selfless and a good man. She also shared how he loved his wife Paula and gave one of his kidneys to his brother. Paula was still working in real estate before the Camp Fire. She and Randy were devout Christians. Dana Demarce, their former daughter-in-law, said they were wonderful and kind people.

Victoria Taft, 66

Credit: Contributed by Christina Taft
Victoria "Vicki" Taft died in the Camp Fire.

Victoria Taft was nice, generous, social, independent, honest, trustworthy, caring, facetious, dependable, sarcastic, modest, smart, stubborn and loyal as her daughter Christina Taft described on her GoFundMe page. Christina said her mother mostly went by Vicki and that they lived in Paradise for the last 10 years. Victoria loved their community, volunteered there and did not want to leave.

Victoria grew up in Los Angeles. She was an actor, real estate agent, a caregiver, stunt double in Dick Tracy, an author and a stay-at-home and single mother. Victoria is survived by Christina, who is a student at California State University, Chico. "She didn't realize it was going to be that bad," Christina said. Her mother wanted to wait for an official evacuation notice, which never came, instead of evacuating with Christina when she decided to evacuate.

John Sedwick, 82

Credit: Sedwick's family photo
John Sedwick died in the Camp Fire.

John Sedwick died trying to save his home from perishing in the fire, his family said. John is survived by his daughter Skye Sedwick Lehocky and his grandchildren, Summer Rose Sedwick and Jesse Lee Messenger. He is also survived by his nephews, niece and cousin, all of their children and their children’s children, including family in Scotland and the United Kingdom. John was known as a good Samaritan, true friend and a patriarch. He authored several articles about Butte and Plumas County history for the historical society and was a museum docent. John was also an avid, self-taught musician. John attended Grace Baptist Church for many years. He was also employed by Bearing, Belt and Chain in Chico.

Robert DuVall, 76, and Beverly Powers, 64

Credit: DuVall family photo
Robert Duvall and Beverly Craig Powers died in the Camp Fire.

Robert "Bob" DuVall was a devoted son and the father of three. A Navy veteran and an avid bass fisherman, he was a member of the Paradise Bass Club.

We will be updated as more information is given about the victims of the Camp Fire. If your loved one died in the Camp Fire and we do not have information about them on this page, please email us at campfire@abc10.com.

Joyce Acheson, 78

Teresa Ammans, 82

Carol Arrington, 88

Julian Binstock, 88

David Bradburd, 70

Larry Brown, 72

Richard Brown, 74

Joanne Caddy, 75

Gordon Dise, 66

Andrew Downer, 54

Ernest Foss, 65

Elizabeth Gaal, 80

James Garner, 63

Richard Jay Garrett, 58

Dennis Hanko, 56

Jennifer Hayes, 53

Lou Herrera, 86

Evva Holt, 85

TK Huff, 71

Gary Hunter, 67

Sara Magnuson, 75

John Malarkey, 89, and JoAnn Malarkey, 90

Deborah Morningstar, 66

Helen Pace, 84

Joseph Rabetoy, 39

Vernice Regan, 95

Sheila Santos, 64

Russel Stewart, 63

Joan Tracy, 80

Donna Louise Ware, 86

Marie Wehe, 78

Kimber Wehr, 53

Carl Wiley, 77

David Young, 69


RELATED: "California Wildfires: The New Normal" is ABC10's new 9-part series on how wildfires are changing lives across Northern California.

Watch now... Episode 1 "Race Against the Clock." When disaster approaches, the body cams of first responders and eyewitness accounts are the best way to get an idea of what it's like to face a life-or-death race against the clock.

Before You Leave, Check This Out