Rory Callum Sykes, the 32-year-old former child actor known for his role on the British TV show Kiddy Kapers, tragically lost his life during the devastating wildfires ravaging California. His mother, Shelley Sykes, announced his death on social media, expressing her heartbreak over losing her son to the fires on January 8, 2024.
"It is with great sadness I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday," Shelley wrote on X. "I’m totally heart broken. He was born on mine and his grandma's birthday, July 29, 1992." Rory lived on the family’s 17-acre estate near Malibu, California, where he had been imprisoned inside his cottage as flames engulfed the structure.
Rory was born blind and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which made walking difficult for him. Despite these significant challenges, he overcame numerous hurdles through surgeries and therapy, enabling him to see and walk. His mother proudly shared how he’d embraced opportunities, traveling the world alongside her from Africa to Antarctica.
Details surrounding the circumstances of Rory's death are harrowing. According to his mother, embers from the wildfires struck the roof of his cottage, igniting it and trapping Rory inside. "He said, ‘Mum, leave me,’ and no mum can leave their kid," she recalled tearfully during interviews with Australian news outlets.
Shelley detailed her frantic attempts to call for help, explaining, "I couldn’t lift him, I couldn’t move him." Adding to the tragic circumstances, all phone lines were down, complicate her ability to contact emergency services. She even drove through the smokey haze to reach the local fire department only to be told they had no water available to combat the flames. "Even the 50 brave firefighters had no water all day!" she lamented.
The fires began on January 7, 2024, with multiple fires breaking out throughout Los Angeles County due to strong winds. The Palisades Fire and others have resulted in over 11 reported fatalities and decimated properties, including Rory’s cottage, described by Shelley as equipped with the latest Apple gadgets and personalized touches.
Rory Sykes was not just remembered for his childhood role on Kiddy Kapers. He co-founded the Happy Charity with his mother, working to support sick children worldwide. His mother noted, "Rory was the number one fan of @Apple and @tim_cook and most important to him, he was an avid @RuneScape gamer. He truly was a humanitarian." Rory's story has also been one of overcoming adversity, as he gained public speaking experience at the young age of eight, sharing his inspirational life experiences.
His mother expressed her grief deeply, stating, "Rory will be incredibly missed by all his online fans around the world, his mama, and his pet peacocks, Edgee and Mickie." Yet, amid her sorrow, she highlighted her determination to honor Rory’s memory, stating she wouldn’t abandon their estate, hoping to rebuild it and create even more beautiful spaces for memories of their time together.
The tragic loss of Rory Sykes serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impacts of wildfires, which not only take away lives but also uproot families and communities. Despite Rory’s disabilities, he lived life to its fullest, embodying resilience and hope and his legacy as a humanitarian will continue through the initiatives he supported even after his untimely passing.
Authorities continue to monitor the wildfire’s impact, with 153,000 individuals still under evacuation orders and many areas still rife with danger. Rory's case, still not officially counted among the death toll, raises concerns about the aftermath of the wildfires as searches for remains continue to be conducted.