An actor known for her role in Blues Brothers has tragically passed away at the age of 95 after being caught in the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, her family has confirmed.
The wildfires in Los Angeles have forced nearly 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes, with over 11,000 homes destroyed in the blaze. The fires, one of the most severe in U.S. history, have claimed the lives of 24 people.
Dalyce Curry, a Blues Brothers extra, was found deceased on Sunday, January 12, just before 6 p.m. local time. The confirmation came from a doctor.
Her granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, referring to her “beloved grandmother” who had passed away.
Kelley wrote, “We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.”
KABC reported that Kelley last saw her grandmother on the night of Tuesday, January 7, just as the fires began to rage through Southern California.
Curry’s home in Altadena, California, was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Kelley visited the site on January 10 but found no trace of her grandmother.
“I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone. It totally burned down,” an officer informed Kelley, according to KABC. She had received a message that her grandmother’s house had lost power, prompting her visit.
When Kelley arrived, she saw “total devastation,” with everything gone except her grandmother’s blue Cadillac.
Curry’s other granddaughter, Lorée Beamer-Wilkinson, also shared the sad news on Facebook, writing, “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.”
Beamer-Wilkinson described her grandmother as an extraordinary woman who welcomed her and her children into her life, radiating positivity, strength, resilience, and kindness.
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.”
Curry had appeared in both Blues Brothers and The Ten Commandments during her career.
What we know about the LA fires:
January 2nd
The first warning was issued five days before the fires began, with the National Weather Service alerting of high winds and dry conditions that could fuel wildfires.
January 7th
The first fire, Palisades Fire, ignited, leading to evacuation orders. Hours later, the Eaton Fire began in the Altadena area, followed by the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, with strong wind gusts reported at 99 mph. Thousands of acres were destroyed, and residents were urged to evacuate.
January 9th
Prisoners were enlisted to help fight the fires. Approximately 939 inmates, who volunteer for a daily wage, were dispatched to the front lines.
January 10th
Authorities arrested an individual accused of deliberately setting the Kenneth Fire, which they believe was started intentionally. The investigation has extended to Southern California Edison, whose equipment might have sparked the fires.
January 13th
The fires have burned over 40,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 buildings, including homes and businesses. The death toll has risen to 24, with at least 16 more people still missing.
The tragedy has forced numerous celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, and Anna Faris, to evacuate their homes, many of which were destroyed in the flames.