Elderly Couple Found Dead at Home After Fire In 500 Block of Lincoln Blvd

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Two people were found dead inside a home early Sunday after firefighters extinguished a fire that engulfed the structure, according to local officials. Helen and Anthony Spaulding, both 92 and married nearly 70 years, died in the house where they raised five children. Both were reported to have mobility limitations and used wheelchairs.

The blaze was reported shortly before 3 a.m. (around 2:50–2:54 a.m.) on August 9 in the 500 block of Lincoln Boulevard, the Santa Monica Fire Department said. Responding crews arrived to find heavy flames on all sides of the house. A car parked in the driveway indicated residents might still be inside, prompting a search once the flames were brought under control.

Firefighters located the two victims during the search and removed them "almost simultaneously," according to Santa Monica Fire Department Division Chief / Battalion Chief James Altman. Crews provided advanced life support but were unable to revive them. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors and the couple's caregiver confirmed that Helen and Anthony Spaulding, married nearly 70 years, lived at the residence along with a caretaker.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victims as Helen and Anthony Spaulding, both 92. Helen Spaulding died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns; her death has been ruled an accident. The cause and manner of Anthony Spaulding's death remained deferred pending further investigation as of mid-week, with both cases still open.

Rick Garcia, who identified himself as the couple's caregiver, told KTLA that the Spauldings had been married almost 70 years, were longtime residents of the neighborhood, and had five children who were very dedicated to their parents. He described them as "a lovely couple" with a great relationship. Anthony was a former attorney; Helen had worked at a local church. Garcia noted that a caretaker was usually present but was not on duty at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Santa Monica Fire Department and police. Officials have not ruled out any possibilities and continue to examine the origin. Cleanup operations continued at the scene into the morning hours of August 9.

Santa Monica Fire Department officials reiterated the importance of working smoke alarms throughout the home and having a practiced escape plan, especially for older adults or those with limited mobility.

No additional details on the exact origin of the fire were immediately available as of this update.