More Local Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Edison Over Eaton Fire

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced a wrongful death lawsuit Friday against Southern California Edison on behalf of families who lost loved ones in the Eaton Fire, including a Pasadena family whose two disabled relatives died after the blaze disrupted their home-based medical care.

The Barr family lost Ivy and Betty Barr, who relied on around-the-clock support, specialized medical equipment, and nutritional access — all of which were compromised when the fire displaced them in January. Both died in March. Kimberly Barr suffered a cardiac emergency shortly after the fire and continues to face serious kidney issues, according to the announcement.

“This has been more of a tragedy that we would ever imagine,” said Byron Barr, son of fire victim Betty Barr, according to ABC7. “None of us would be in this shape if it wasn’t for the negligence of the power company.”

Some investigators have linked the cause of the fire to utility infrastructure operated by Southern California Edison, according to the lawsuit announcement.

Three other families joined the Barr family in the wrongful death lawsuit against the utility company, according to ABC7’s June 7 report. The lawsuit was filed five months after the Eaton Fire. Other victims named in the lawsuit include Evelyn McClendon and Earline Kelley.

“The devastation of the fire stripped her and Betty away from all of their resources that were critical to their everyday well-being,” said Jasmine Watson Barr, niece and caregiver to the fire victims, according to ABC7.

Crump held the press conference at Pasadena Church’s East Campus on Friday morning. Earl Barr and other Barr family members also attended the press conference.

“Their lives mattered. Betty’s life mattered, Ivy’s life mattered. Evelyn McClendon’s life mattered, Earline Kelley’s life mattered. All of their lives mattered,” Crump said, according to ABC7.

Southern California Edison issued a statement saying “We are committed to helping rebuild the impacted communities. We will review and address this lawsuit,” according to ABC7.

The utility company has faced multiple lawsuits related to the Eaton Fire. In March, Los Angeles County sued Edison over the fire. Kathleen Dunleavy, a spokesperson with Southern California Edison, told the Los Angeles Times in response to that lawsuit: “Our hearts are with the communities affected by the wildfires in Southern California, and we are reviewing the lawsuit. We will address it through the appropriate legal process.”

In May, Edison was hit with another lawsuit claiming the fire exposed people to toxic substances. Jeff Monford, an Edison spokesman, told the Los Angeles Times: “Our thoughts are with all community members who have suffered losses due to the January fires. The cause of the Eaton fire has not yet been determined. We will review this lawsuit and respond in the litigation.”