(L.A.) Rodney Nickerson, 82, Died in the Eaton Fire
Case Number: 2025-00546
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of an 82-year-old Black male that occurred at his residence in Altadena.
The coroner’s office has identified the man as Rodney Nickerson.
Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Carroll.
Manner of Death: Accident
Cause of Death: Inhalation of Products of Combustion and Thermal Injuries
RIP RODNEY KENT NICKERSON (April 15, 1942 – January 8, 2025)
Formal pronouncement of death was made on Wednesday at 5:27 p.m.
The decedent perished in the Eaton Fire. His remains were found in the 300 block of Alta Pine Drive.
Rodney Nickerson graduated from LA High School, served in the U.S. Navy, and then worked for 45 years as a project engineer at Lockheed Martin. He also served as the chairman of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church.
He was a grandson of William Nickerson Jr., a prominent Black businessman who founded Golden State Mutual Life Insurance — and was the founder and namesake of Nickerson Gardens, the largest public housing development in L.A.
GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/support-rodney-nickersons-family-recovery-from-eaton-fire