A 95-year-old beloved actress and longtime resident of Altadena, Calif., has tragically died in a wildfire that swept through her neighborhood.

Dalyce Curry, known for her roles in iconic films, succumbed to the destruction as flames overtook her home and evacuation orders fell short, Newsweek reported.

Curry, who starred in films like "The Blues Brothers" and "The Ten Commandments," called the multicultural community of Altadena her home for over two decades. On January 7, her life assumed a tragic arc. She began the day with routine doctor's visits, her granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, by her side.

Kelley, Curry's caretaker, accompanied her grandmother to the hospital later that day. However, circumstances forced Kelley to part ways with Curry that night to care for another family member.

Despite detecting the smell of smoke, Kelley considered the situation routine for Los Angeles residents, noting, "We smelled a little smoke," yet it appeared like a typical day in their neighborhood. Concerned, Kelley connected with nearby residents to support Curry in an evacuation situation. She received affirmation from at least one neighbor.

Tragic Events Unfold in Altadena

Unbeknownst to Kelley, an evacuation order was issued at 3:30 a.m. on January 8. She would only learn of this from Curry's property manager later that morning. Hastily, Kelley attempted to get in touch with her grandmother but found the lines to local law enforcement inaccessible.

Arriving at Curry's home hours later, Kelley was met with heart-wrenching news. Officers informed her that the property was destroyed, saying, "I'm sorry, ma'am. Your grandmother's home is all burned. It's gone." In despair, Kelley recognized that her grandmother was missing.

Curry's whereabouts became increasingly concerning as Kelley combed through evacuation centers, hoping for any sign. The desperate search continued until January 12. That day, the Los Angeles County medical examiner delivered the final, solemn confirmation. Human remains located on Curry's land belonged to her.

Wildfires Leave Devastation in Their Wake

The wildfires that claimed Curry's life did not discriminate, leaving broad devastation across the Altadena region. At the time of reporting, at least 24 individuals had perished, and hundreds of thousands of people found themselves displaced. High-profile citizens also experienced losses, including actress Mandy Moore, whose property suffered damage.

Kelley, reflecting on the rich diversity and camaraderie of the Altadena community, expressed that it was "a place like no other" and remembered Curry's affection for it. Despite efforts to convince her grandmother to relocate, Curry's love for the place was deep-rooted, prompting her to remain for over 20 years. "She loved Altadena. I could never get her to move," Kelley recounted.

Curry's Legacy and Community Impact

As fans mourn Dalyce Curry’s passing, her legacy goes beyond her cinematic contributions. A cherished figure in Altadena, she left behind a profound impact on the community she loved.

The lack of clear evacuation orders highlights broader issues with preparedness in wildfire-prone areas. Residents and advocates may push for better systems to prevent future tragedies.

Curry’s untimely death underscores the need for improved strategies to protect vulnerable populations in California’s worsening wildfire crisis.

In her honor, local authorities and residents must prioritize safety and enhance emergency protocols. Curry’s memory endures through her film work and the lasting mark she left on Altadena.