Elderly couples in wildfires' path died in each other's arms
Source: Associated Press
Elderly couples in wildfires’ path died in each other’s arms
By JULIE WATSON
Today
Some had just celebrated marriages of half a century or longer. They spent their time volunteering and playing with grandchildren. A few had lived through both world wars.
The vast majority of the 42 people killed in the wildfires that have ravaged Northern California were in their 70s and 80s. Several were couples who died together, including childhood sweethearts who had grown old together.
A 95-year-old man and his 75-year-old wife spent their final moments huddled in the wine cellar of their home where they had lived for 45 years.
The oldest victim — 100-year-old World War II veteran Charles Rippey, who used a walker — is believed to have been trying to make it to his 98-year-old wife, Sara, who had limited mobility after a stroke. Their caretaker barely escaped alive before the roof collapsed and the blaze engulfed the house.
An 80-year-old man never made it past his driveway after getting his 80-year-old wife into the car to escape. The two were born four days apart and died together.
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Read more: https://apnews.com/59ba705c4b044327bc30d9bf4d0ddf82/Elderly-couples-in-wildfires'-path-died-in-each-other's-arms
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