Family Announces Death of Shari Floyd Following Injuries Sustained in the Bug Fire
August 16, 2026 — Rudy von Ravensberg, son of Shari Floyd, announces with profound sadness that his mother died yesterday afternoon, August 15, 2026, at UC Davis Medical Center from severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation sustained in the Bug Fire.
Shari was a beloved mother, family member, and friend whose loss has left her family devastated. She was well known for her deep love of animals, particularly horses, which were an important part of her life for many years. Those who knew Shari will remember her compassion for animals and the happiness she found in caring for and being around them.
During the last several years of her life, Shari had also been living with Parkinson’s disease, facing the challenges of the illness alongside those who loved and cared for her.
“My mother had been suffering from Parkinson’s for the last several years, and our family had already watched her endure so much,” von Ravensberg said. “To lose her in this way is devastating. We are trying to process an unimaginable tragedy while remembering her for the life she lived, the people she loved, her love of animals, and everything she meant to us. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has reached out with their love, prayers, and support.”
The family is especially grateful to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who responded on the afternoon of August 12 and made every effort to reach, rescue, and provide emergency care to Shari under extraordinarily dangerous and rapidly changing conditions. Thunderstorms caused the fire and winds to shift direction quickly, leaving only minutes to evacuate as winds approached approximately 70 miles per hour. The family recognizes the significant risks taken by those who responded and is deeply appreciative of their efforts to save her.
Shari’s husband, Eddie, was also seriously injured in the Bug Fire and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. His family is focused on his medical care and recovery, and his privacy should be respected during this extremely difficult time.
Shari’s family also extends its thoughts to everyone affected by the Bug Fire, including those who have suffered injuries, lost loved ones, been displaced, or lost their homes, animals, and property.
As an alternative to contributing to a GoFundMe or other fundraiser for the family, von Ravensberg asks those wishing to honor Shari’s memory to consider making a charitable contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, an organization dedicated to advancing research toward improved treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Shari’s family respectfully asks for privacy as they mourn her loss and make arrangements to honor her life. The family similarly asks that Eddie and those involved in his ongoing care be afforded privacy as he continues treatment.
Additional information regarding memorial or celebration-of-life arrangements will be shared when available.
