
Former child star Rory Callum Sykes, 32, dies tragically in Malibu wildfires despite mother’s desperate rescue attempts.
At a Glance
- Rory Callum Sykes, a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy and blindness, perished in the Malibu wildfires
- Sykes was a former child actor known for his role in the British TV show “Kiddy Kapers”
- Despite his challenges, Sykes lived an inspiring life as a gamer, investor, and philanthropist
- His mother, Shelley Sykes, attempted to save him but was hindered by a lack of water supply and her own injuries
- The tragedy highlights the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildfires and issues with local water infrastructure
A Life Cut Short by Tragedy
The entertainment and philanthropic communities are mourning the loss of Rory Callum Sykes, a 32-year-old former child actor and inspirational figure who died in the recent Malibu wildfires. Sykes, who had cerebral palsy and was blind, was unable to escape the rapidly spreading flames that engulfed his cottage on January 7.
Sykes had recently moved to the United States from Sydney with his mother, Shelley Sykes. They were living on a 17-acre estate in Malibu when the fires struck. Despite evacuation orders, Rory’s physical condition made it difficult for him to leave quickly.
Former Child Actor Rory Callum Sykes’ Mom Details Trying to Save Him Amid L.A. Fires https://t.co/Nxz4DZLHbC
— E! News (@enews) January 13, 2025
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Decision
Shelley Sykes faced an impossible choice as the fire conditions worsened around their property, Mount Malibu. With a broken arm herself, she was unable to move her son to safety. In a devastating turn of events, Rory urged his mother to save herself.
“He said, ‘Mum, leave me,'” Shelley Sykes said. “He was my baby, and he died needlessly”
In a desperate attempt to protect her son, Shelley advised Rory to stay in the shower. However, the water supply was cut off, leaving them without this crucial defense against the flames. Firefighters were hampered by water shortages, unable to combat the fire effectively.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Rory Callum Sykes left behind a legacy of perseverance and inspiration. As a child, he appeared on the British TV show “Kiddy Kapers,” and later became a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences of overcoming challenges.
“He always said, ‘It isn’t what happens to you in life that counts. It’s what you do about it that matters.'” Shelley Sykes shared, reflecting on her son’s positive outlook.
Rory’s life was marked by remarkable achievements. He traveled to Antarctica, spoke at events, and was deeply involved in online communities. He was known for playing RuneScape, coding, and co-founding Happy Charity, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
A Call for Change
The tragedy has sparked discussions about fire safety and infrastructure in high-risk areas. Shelley Sykes expressed frustration over the lack of water supply during the critical moments of the fire. She stated, “I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off by @LVMWD Las Virgenes Municipal Water. Even the 50 brave fire fighters had no water all day!”
This incident highlights the need for improved emergency preparedness and infrastructure in wildfire-prone regions. The loss of Rory Callum Sykes serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of these natural disasters and the importance of adequate resources for firefighting efforts.
Rory Callum Sykes, former Kiddy Kapers actor, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at his family’s estate in Malibu pic.twitter.com/2ly5qKx09r
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 12, 2025
Remembering Rory
As the community grapples with this loss, Shelley Sykes plans to rebuild the property and create a “happy home” in Rory’s memory. A ceremony will be held to honor his life and the impact he had on those around him. The news of his death has been widely reported in Australia, with condolences pouring in on social media.
“His life was a blessing to me. He made me a better person,” Shelly Sykes reflected, encapsulating the profound impact Rory had on those who knew him.
Rory Callum Sykes’ story is one of resilience, inspiration, and tragedy. His untimely death in the Malibu wildfires serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of community support and preparedness in the face of such events.
Sources:
- Mom Tried to Save Son with Cerebral Palsy as L.A. Fires Drew Close, Now She Shares Heartbreak at What Went Wrong
- Former child actor Rory Sykes killed in L.A. fires as water ran dry, his mother says – CBS News
- Palisades Fire kills former child star leaving mom devastated but determined: ‘He made me a better person’
- Former Child Star Dies at Age 32 in California Fires