Today I received some very sad news about Blog@ contributor Carla Hoffman and her husband Lance. On Thursday, while fleeing from the Tea Fire that’s burning in and around the California cities of Montecito and Santa Barbara, Carla and Lance were overtaken by a flash fire.
According to news reports, both suffered severe burns on their arms and legs. Lance also has second- and third-degree burns on his head. The couple was able to drive themselves to the Montecito fire station and were transported by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Doctors are keeping them unconscious until the swelling goes down.
I can’t think of two people who are more exuberant about life, comics and each other than Carla and Lance. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and I’ll keep you updated on their condition as I receive updates.
November 16th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Wow, this really, really sucks. Carla and Lance are good people.
November 16th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
My prayers go out to them. Really sorry to hear that this happened to them.
November 16th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
This is awful news. They’ll be in my thoughts.
November 16th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
We’ll certainly keep the Hoffmans in our prayers and will appreciate any updates you receive. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
November 16th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Thank you so much for publishing this. A few of her online friends (including me) have been searching nonstop for information about what’s happened to her.
November 16th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Thank you for the news, even if it is bad. I’ve been worried sick. I’m praying for them.
November 16th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Very sad. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for both of them.
November 16th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Best wishes to Carla and Lance. Hope everything comes out okay.
November 16th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Oh god, I hope everything turns out okay.
November 16th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Thank you for promising to keep us updated. We can only hope they pull through.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
This is absolutely tragic news. I hope they are under good medical care and pray for their speedy recovery.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
That’s horrible. I wish them all the good things in the world to get through this.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Carla’s thoughts on all things Marvel are a delight and joy to read. My best wishes and prayers for her and Lance.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Wow. I’m one of those folks so desensitized to disasters that they don’t seem real unless someone I know is effected sometimes. This certainly makes it hit home. My thoughts and prayers to the Hoffmans. Carla makes comic book blog reading and Twittering that much more enjoyable. I hope the couple make it out of this as well as possible.
November 16th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I am thankful they have both survived and pray that God will ease their pain and speed their healing.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Does anyone know if there’s a page or account set up for donations yet?
November 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I went to elementary school with Lance and Karla worked at “my” comic book store (when I lived in Santa Barbara County). I’m at a loss for words and wish there was something I could do to help. Please, if there is an update on any sort of foundation/collection/list of goods needed, I hope newsarama will post that too.
Carla and Lance, if you read this, I’m not sure what I can do but please email if I can help in any way. I’m so sorry to hear this news.
Sincerely,
Ryan Claytor (…now living in Michigan)
November 18th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have known Carla since gradeschool, as she was my close friend throughout. She has an energy about her that is undeniable. Seeing her each week at our local comic book shop, Metro Entertainment, and getting her suggestion for the best stories out there is a highlight of my week. She has, quite literally, been influential in my development of what I call “myself”.
If you’ve been touched by Carla or Lance, then you know how I feel about this news. For those who can help, a fund has been set up for them and any contribution will be helpful in rebuilding their lives. Thank you for your considerations. The information follows:
The Lance and Carla Burn Fund
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust
1483 East Valley Road
Montecito, CA 93108-1248
1-888-400-7228
November 19th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I just learned of this and I am shocked and saddened. I know them from when I was married to Lance’s friend Jimmy some years back – I will pray for their recovery and ask anyone I know to pray as well.
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I spoke to Lance’s mom (Linda Hoffman) this morning. She is at UCI Medical Center at Lance and Carla’s side. They are getting the best care possible. They remain in critical condition. All of our support means the world to the family members. Our prayers and the donations made are a comfort. Linda is my friend and housemate and I admire her strength as she deals with this trying time. Through her I know Lance and Carla and in this blog I have learned even more. Again – THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and positive thoughts.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:23 am
I am Carla’s brother. I live in South San Francisco and commute to Orange, CA where the UCI Burn Center is. I just got back from visiting them yesterday, and I am happy to report that they are both out of danger and have begun the hard tasks of rehabilitation from both the smoke inhalation and burns. Burns require daily cleaning and the ‘hydrotherapy’ is taxing and painful. Carla is able to talk and is walking a little, and we hope that Lance is not far behind.
Fortunately, UCI is a top facility and even the nursing staff has decades of burn treatment experience. As far as bad situations go, its the best it can be right now.
So, at this time, anything that can be done to keep their morale up is vastly important. I have been out the comic world since high school (I am 42) so any help from the blogsphere would be most appreciated. Anyone know Stan Lee’s unlisted phone number?
Carla has asked for updates on the following:
Secret Invasion
Dark Reign (Rain?)
Final Crisis
Iron Man
The two new Thor books with Matt Fraction
Man of War
God Sized Thor
If anyone can email me at jasonmccomb@hotmail.com with news or links on these subjects I would really appreciate it. I fly down again on Saturday and will share any well wishes, news or information that come my way.
Thanks everyone for their prayers and support,
Jason McComb
jasonmccomb@hotmail.com
October 6th, 2011 at 2:12 am
Your blog has truly inspired me, especially the current article.