Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor, has passed away at the age of 32, as confirmed by his mother amidst the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
Sykes, who was born in the UK, featured in the British RTV series Kiddy Kapers in 1998, becoming a cherished figure. Despite facing significant health challenges, including being blind and having cerebral palsy, he managed to learn to walk, run, and see again.
On Thursday, January 9, Rory’s mother, Shelley Sykes, took to Twitter to announce the tragic news of her son’s death due to a fire at his residence.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday,” she expressed on social media.
“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 Sykes. @rorysykes was the founder with me of @happycharity a true humanitarian. He saw him self as the number one fan of @Apple & @tim_cook & most importantly an avid @RuneScape gamer!”
Shelley further described Rory’s journey, mentioning his birth with blindness and cerebral palsy and his struggles with mobility. Through surgeries and therapies, he regained his sight and learned to walk, maintaining a spirited enthusiasm for world travel alongside his mother, from Africa to Antarctica.
She also recounted that Rory had his own cottage in Malibu, which was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, January 8.
She elaborated: “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! He will be incredibly missed by @shelleysykes, mama his pet peacocks Edgee & Mickie & all his online fans around the world!”
Shelley reportedly drove a quarter of a mile in an attempt to save her son after failing to reach emergency services by phone.
In a conversation with 10 News about the tragic incident, she shared: “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.”
Many people have responded to Shelley’s social media announcement, offering their condolences and sympathies.
“I’m so sorry to read this news. What a traumatic experience for both of you. Sending my condolences,” commented one individual.
Another remarked: “So heartbreaking I’m terribly sorry for your loss.”