Former child actor Rory Sykes dies in LA wildfires after water crisis hampers his mother's rescue efforts
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rory Callum Sykes, a British-born former child actor best known for his role in the Australian TV series 'Kiddy Kapers', has tragically died in the Malibu wildfires at the age of 32.
The devastating fires, which began on January 7, have swept through Los Angeles County, claiming at least 11 lives with the toll expected to rise.
Rory Sykes' mother Shelley Sykes announces his tragic death
Sykes, who had recently immigrated to the United States after living in Sydney, Australia, was at his family’s large Malibu estate when the fires engulfed the property.
His death was confirmed by his mother, Shelley Sykes, via a heartbreaking post on X.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday,” she wrote.
Born blind and with cerebral palsy, Sykes faced significant physical challenges throughout his life.
Through extensive surgeries and therapies, he regained his sight and mobility, defying medical expectations, according to People.
His determination fueled his love for adventure and philanthropy.
Shelley Sykes remembers her son Rory Sykes as a 'true humanitarian'
Shelley Sykes fondly remembered her son Rory Sykes as a “true humanitarian,” adding, “Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica.”
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
More recently, Rory gained recognition as a video game streamer and co-founder of 'Happy Charity', an organization he launched with his mother Shelley to support those in need.
He was an avid RuneScape player, investor, and philanthropist, using his platform to spread positivity.
Rory Sykes' mother Shelley Sykes shares her heartbreaking fight
Shelley Sykes shared harrowing details of the tragedy. Rory was living in a cottage on the family’s estate when the fire reached the property.
Despite her efforts to extinguish cinders on the roof, she was thwarted by water shortages caused by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
“I couldn’t stop the flames taking over,” Shelley recounted tearfully to 10 News First.
#BREAKING: An Australian citizen has been confirmed dead in the Los Angeles wildfires.
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) January 11, 2025
Rory Callum Sykes, who lived with cerebral palsy, was killed in his home as the flames tore through the hills above Malibu. pic.twitter.com/aGkH7E9pr0
Injured with a broken arm, she was unable to lift or move her son to safety.
“He said, ‘Mom, leave me,’ and no mom can leave their kid,” she said, her voice heavy with grief.
Shelley described how the lack of water also hindered firefighters who valiantly battled the blaze but could not save the cottage.
Her tribute captured the essence of Rory’s spirit as she wrote, “He overcame so much, and he gave so much.”
California’s most destructive wildfires
The Malibu wildfires, among the most destructive in California history, have razed countless homes and caused widespread devastation.
The Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires alone have left a trail of destruction unprecedented in scale, with officials warning that the final death toll may continue to rise.
Rory’s death, not yet included in the official count, underscores the human toll of the disaster.
