The recent Los Angeles wildfires have claimed another life as former child actor Rory Callum Sykes tragically succumbed to the inferno's ferocity, leaving friends, family, and fans heartbroken.
- Jan 12, 2025
AceShowbiz - Former child actor Rory Callum Sykes, known for hosting the British RTV show "Kiddy Kapers" in 1998, has tragically died amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Sykes, 32, was trapped in his self-contained cottage near Malibu when the ferocious flames engulfed the family's 17-acre property.
Sykes, who was born blind and lived with cerebral palsy, remarkably overcame many challenges in his life, including learning to see and walk. His mother, Shelley, penned a book titled "Callum's Cure" detailing his journey and triumphs. Despite his health battles, Rory defied the odds, living an active and fulfilling life.
Tragically, Rory succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after firefighters were unable to reach him in time.
His mom Shelley valiantly attempted to quell the cinders on his roof with a hose, but the water supply was turned off, making her efforts futile. Desperate for help, she drove a quarter of a mile through thick smoke but was met with more challenges as she found emergency responders without water.
Shelley's heartbreak was palpable as she recounted the events. "I couldn't put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off. When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground. He will be incredibly missed," she told 10 News.
Rory's untimely death is part of a larger crisis engulfing Los Angeles, where wildfires have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and structures, including properties of some Hollywood A-listers. Fierce winds and dry conditions have fueled the fires, making containment efforts increasingly difficult.
Consular assistance is being provided to the family by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, yet Shelley remains steadfast, planning to rebuild the devastated estate as a tribute to her son. "That's going to be a special place for Rory and I. We'll make it even more beautiful than it already was," she said.
In Rory's memory, a poignant statement was shared on Twitter, "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son Rory Sykes to the Malibu fires yesterday. I'm totally heartbroken."
The city of Los Angeles continues to grapple with the overwhelming destruction, but its residents, buoyed by resilience and community support, vow to rebuild and recover from this unprecedented disaster.
