As stated by his mother, Rory Callum Sykes, who had previously worked as a child actor, is among the individuals who have lost their lives as a result of the devastating wildfires that have occurred in Los Angeles.
The terrible death of the 32-year-old man, who suffered from cerebral palsy and was blind, occurred when the family’s home, which was located near to Malibu, was destroyed by intense flames.
It has been stated by Shelley, his distressed mother, that she fought bravely to preserve her son and the property, but when she returned, she found the 17-acre estate “burned to the ground.”
It was predicted by medical authorities that Rory would spend his entire life blind and confined to a wheelchair. However, Rory, who was born in Britain and moved to Australia when he was a child, defied their estimates.
In spite of the difficulties he was experiencing with his health, he was able to learn how to walk, run, and see. The “miracle on legs” that Shelley had was the subject of a parenting book that she titled Callum’s Cure.
She asserted that Rory has conquered a great deal in his life, citing the fact that he has had “therapies to restore his sight and to be able to learn how to walk.”
A tragic death occurred on Wednesday, January 8, as a result of the fumes from the gigantic Palisades Fire that was raging in Los Angeles. The child actor, who had starred in the British RTV sitcom Kiddy Kapers in 1998, had unfortunately departed suddenly.
In a message that was uploaded on Twitter, Shelley expressed her sorrow at the loss of her “beautiful kid” under such dreadful circumstances.
She said, “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son Rory Sykes to the Malibu fires yesterday.” Rory Sykes had been killed in the fires that occurred yesterday. The pain in my heart is indescribable.
“A wonderful son, born on my birthday and his grandmother’s birthday, July 29th, 1992, a British-born Australian who currently resides in the United States of America.”
She went on to explain that Rory was having his own private residence on their acreage in Los Angeles, and that he was “decked out with all the newest Apple gear.”
She attempted to use a hose to extinguish the cinders that she observed on his roof, but she was unsuccessful. Shelley reported that the water had been switched off.
During an interview with the Australian news agency 10 News First, the mother expressed her remorse that her “baby had died needlessly.”
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday. I’m totally heart broken. British born Australian living in America, a wonderful son, a gift born on mine & his grandmas birthday 29 July 92, Rory Callum… pic.twitter.com/X77xyk83gx
— Shelley Sykes (@shelleysykes) January 9, 2025
Shelley reported that all of the phone lines were no longer operational. Rory pleaded with his mother, “Mum, leave me.” Any mother would never abandon her child. Due to the fact that I have a broken arm, I do not have the ability to raise him or move him.
She drove a quarter of a mile through the massive smoke plumes that were enveloping the region in an attempt to get aid, according to the author, who claimed that she unsuccessfully attempted to call 911.
AFTER contacting some rescue personnel, she described how she was informed that they had “no water.”
Shelley said, “I said at that moment, ‘Oh my god, my son is locked in his room.'” “The fire department brought me back, and by the time I got there, his cottage had been completely destroyed by fire.”
Although cadaver dogs have not yet located Rory’s remains, Shelley stated that Rory had died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In an emotional statement, she continued, “I didn’t want my baby to experience any pain.”
As reported by The New York Post, Rory’s mother asserts that his death has not yet been accounted for in the official death toll figure.
As of right now, eleven individuals have lost their lives as a direct result of the flames, and the authorities have warned that the number of fatalities is likely to rise in the years to come.
Shelley has stated that she is “not going to move” and has talked about her plans to renovate the house, despite the fact that her estate has been destroyed.
She went on to say, “Rory and I are going to always remember that location as a very special place.” The beauty that it already has will be enhanced by our efforts.
One of the families that was impacted by the fires in Los Angeles is receiving diplomatic support, according to a spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, who was quoted in The West Australian.
In the statement, it was stated that “due to our obligations regarding privacy, we are unable to provide continued comment.”
“The Consulate-General in Los Angeles is continuing to monitor the wildfires that are occurring throughout the state of California. This monitoring includes gathering information on evacuation orders and warnings, as well as shelters for those who are evacuating.”
By adhering to the recommendations of local authorities and subscribing to Smartraveller for updates, we advise people in Australia to remain informed and to preserve their safety.