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Former child star Rory Callum Sykes dead at 32. (X/ShelleySykes)
Former Child Star Rory Callum Sykes Dies at 32 in Palisades Fire
Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, Jan. 8, as a result of the Palisades Fire, his mother, Shelley Sykes, confirmed. He was 32 years old.
Born in Australia, Rory was blind and had cerebral palsy but defied the odds to star in the British television series Kiddy Kapers. Beyond his acting career, he became a motivational speaker and co-founded the Happy Charity organization with his mother to support children with disabilities.
The fire broke out near the family’s 17-acre Malibu property, where Rory lived in a guest house. As flames approached, he and his mother tried to evacuate but faced critical challenges, including power outages and limited emergency resources.
"He was my baby, and he died needlessly," Shelley Sykes told Australia’s 10 News First.
Rory’s mother described the harrowing events leading up to his death. With phone lines down, 911 was unreachable. Rory, unable to evacuate on his own, urged his mother to leave him behind. “No mom can leave their kid,” she said. Despite her broken arm, Shelley tried to help her son but was unable to move him.
In desperation, she drove to the local fire station for assistance but was told they had no water. By the time firefighters returned to the property, Rory’s guest house had been destroyed.
According to Shelley, firefighters confirmed that Rory died from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than from the flames. "I didn't want any pain for my baby," she said.
Rory Sykes wrote a book, Callum’s Cure, chronicling his dream of one day walking and regaining his sight. He moved to Australia as a child and continued to inspire those around him with his resilience and determination.
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Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo) |
Shelley is now considering a class-action lawsuit in response to the lack of resources and emergency preparedness during the fire. Despite the tragedy, she plans to remain on the property in Rory’s memory. "That’s going to be the place, a special place for Rory and me, and we’ll make it even more beautiful than it already was," she said.
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An air tanker made a drop on the Palisades Fire. (Brian van der Brug/Getty Images) |
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A home is engulfed in flames during the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area on Jan. 8, 2025. (Josh Edelson/Getty Images) |
As of Sunday, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 11% contained, with five fatalities confirmed. Nearby, the Eaton Fire in Altadena has scorched 14,117 acres and is 27% contained, with 11 fatalities reported.