Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor from Australia, tragically lost his life in the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles. The fire, which is part of the Palisades Fire in California, claimed the life of the 32-year-old who had been living with cerebral palsy and blindness. The fire reportedly started when embers from the blaze landed on the roof of his family’s Malibu cottage, trapping him inside. His mother, Shelley Sykes, a prominent author and former host of the British TV show Kiddy Kapers, confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media.
Rory, who had fought through numerous surgeries and therapies to regain his sight and learn to walk, had become a symbol of resilience. Despite his struggles, he remained passionate about traveling with his mother, having visited places as far-reaching as Africa and Antarctica. Shelley’s emotional tribute expressed the pain of losing a son who had overcome so much adversity in his life.
In her post, Shelley wrote, “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son to the Malibu fires yesterday. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica.”
According to reports from 10 News First, the fire broke out when embers from the blaze landed on the roof of their cottage, trapping Rory inside. Shelley attempted to rescue her son but was unable to due to an injury. Rory’s remains have not yet been recovered, and as of now, his death has not been included in the list of 11 fatalities confirmed by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.
The Palisades Fire is one of several wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County since Tuesday. The fires have claimed at least 11 lives and caused significant damage, with over 10,000 structures destroyed or damaged. As firefighters continue their efforts, authorities fear the death toll and damage estimates will rise.
In total, six wildfires have ravaged the area, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have burned over 35,000 acres. While there has been some containment of the fires, both remain dangerous, with fresh evacuation orders issued for nearby areas. The fires have displaced thousands and caused hazardous air quality, prompting a public health emergency. A curfew has been enforced across all evacuation zones, with over 150,000 people under evacuation orders.
The tragic death of Rory Sykes highlights the personal toll of the ongoing fires, which continue to devastate families and communities in Southern California.
Sources By Agencies
