Four killed in Northern California’s McKinney wildfire are ID’d. All of them were 73 or older

The names of four people who died in the McKinney Fire have been released by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office after notification of next of kin.

Kathleen Shoopman, 73, Charles Kays, 79, Judith Kays, 82 and John Cogan, 76, were identified Friday as the victims. All were residents of Klamath River, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Their identities were confirmed using rapid DNA technology and dental analysis, authorities said. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Dr. Duane Spencer, DDS, assisted in the analyses.

“The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims,” Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue said. “If you are willing, please keep those affected by this fire in your prayers.”

Twelve others were injured in the McKinney Fire, which had burned 60,392 acres and was 95% contained as the latest update provided by the U.S. Forest Service. The wildfire broke out July 29, with firefighters responding to a report on the Oak Knoll Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest.