An elderly California couple who had been married for 73 years died together in a house fire at their coastal property in Santa Monica, a blaze that also destroyed a home reportedly worth nearly $4 million. Helen and Anthony Spaulding, both 92, were found by firefighters in the first-floor bedroom of their two-storey house in the early hours of Sunday morning; crews attempted to revive them but were unsuccessful. The couple, described by their carer as devoted to each other and their five children, usually had a caretaker present but were alone at the time of the fire, which remains under investigation.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Helen's death accidental, caused by smoke inhalation and thermal burns, while a cause has not yet been confirmed for Anthony. Their son Bruce announced the deaths on Facebook, noting the couple had celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in April, and shared a tribute video reflecting on their lifelong bond. Anthony, a former attorney, and Helen, who worked at a local church, also held a sizeable property portfolio across Los Angeles, including an apartment building in Venice and additional properties elsewhere in the city.