Kimiko Nickerson tragically lost her father Rodney in the devastating Eaton Fire, a loss that has deeply impacted her and her family.
Kimiko Nickerson has shared the heartbreaking story of her father Rodney’s decision not to evacuate during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The 82-year-old victim of the Eaton Fire lost his life, and his daughter now reflects on his final moments.
California is battling five major fires, including the Eaton Fire that claimed Rodney’s life.
At least 30,000 acres of land have been scorched, with over 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed. The death toll has already reached 10 and is expected to rise.
Why Rodney Nickerson chose to stay in his home during the LA wildfires
Rodney had lived in his home in Altadena, a community in the San Gabriel Valley and The Verdugos regions of Los Angeles County, since 1968. Kimiko explained how the house had been a constant in their lives.
“This is the house I came home to as a child,” she said, reflecting on the significance of the home for her and her family.
Kimiko and other family members, including her brother and grandson, urged Rodney to evacuate as the fires approached. Despite their efforts, Rodney was adamant about staying.
Even when his grandson packed up the car and encouraged him to leave, Rodney refused. “He said he’ll be fine. ‘I’ll be here when you guys come back,’” Kimiko recalled. His last words to her were: “I’ll be here tomorrow.”
The aftermath of the Fire
When Kimiko returned to the house, she found her father’s body in his bed. “His house was here, and he was here too. We found his bones, his whole body was intact,” she said.
The fire had swept through the neighborhood, destroying everything in its path, but leaving the mountainside untouched.
Kimiko expressed her deep grief over losing her father. “I’m just silent and numb,” she said, struggling to process the tragedy. She remembered Rodney as a smart, ambitious man who had a daily routine. “He read the LA Times cover to cover and walked around the Rose Bowl every day,” she recalled.
Despite the devastation, she cherished the memories of their time together.
The Nickerson family’s loss is a stark reminder of the risks of staying behind during natural disasters.
Rodney’s refusal to evacuate, though understandable in the face of his lifelong attachment to his home, ultimately led to his tragic death. Kimiko’s heartfelt tribute to her father shows the pain of losing someone who was an integral part of the community and family.