The mother of the former child star who was tragically killed in Los Angeles fires has revealed her son’s final heartbreaking words.
The horrific wildfires tearing through Malibu, California, have claimed the life of Rory Callum Sykes, a former child star who featured in the popular British children’s show Kiddy Kapers in 1998.
The 32-year-old, who was born blind and lived with cerebral palsy, defied the odds in his life by learning to walk, run, and even see despite ongoing health challenges.
His death was confirmed by his mother, Shelley Sykes, who took to X to write: “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 Sykes. @rorysykes was the founder with me of @happycharity a true humanitarian,” she continued.
“He saw him self as the number one fan of @Apple & @tim_cook & most importantly an avid @RuneScape gamer!” she added.
Rory became trapped in his cottage, located on his mother Shelley Sykes’ estate, as the ferocious Palisades Fire engulfed the neighborhood, ultimately consuming his residence.
His mom, a British-born Australian, spoke to 10 News First about her son’s final moments, claiming that the local Las Virgenes Municipal Water company had “switched off” the water supply during the blaze.
“He was my baby and he died needlessly,” she said, tearfully. “Guess what didn’t work? 911, all the phone lines were down.”
The grieving mom shared her son’s final words, which were: “Mom, leave me.” To which she added: “No mother can abandon their child, but I was helpless. I had a broken arm and couldn’t move him, I couldn’t lift him.”
Driven by desperation, Rory’s mother drove 400 meters through thick smoke to her local fire station for help. However, the firefighters explained that they were only equipped with axes and were unable to extinguish the blaze.
“They said ‘We’ve got no water’, and I said ‘Oh my god, my son is locked in his room,'” Shelley told the TV station. “When the fire department brought me back his cottage was burnt to the ground.”
Dr Sykes told the publication that her son died of carbon monoxide poison “rather than burning… I didn’t want any pain for my baby,” she added.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into reports of water supply issues hampering firefighting efforts during the wildfires.
In a post on X, Newsom shared a letter addressed to the heads of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and LA County Public Works. He cited concerns over fire hydrants losing pressure and the unavailability of water from the Santa Ynez reservoir, which may have hindered efforts to protect homes and evacuation routes.
The governor emphasized the need for a “comprehensive review” to prevent similar issues in the future and ensure all resources are available to combat catastrophic fires.
The severe wildfires that erupted in Southern California on Tuesday (January 7) have claimed at least 11 lives and forced over 180,000 residents to evacuate.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited on Tuesday, has consumed 21,596 acres and is only 11% contained. It’s raging between Malibu and Santa Monica and has begun to spread eastward, per NBC News.
This Eaton fire has burned through 14,117 acres and is 15% contained. The Kenneth fire has spread across 1,052 acres and is 80% contained, while the Hurst Fire has damaged 799 acres and is 76% contained.
The Lidia fire has burned through 395 acres but is now fully contained, and the Archer Fire is the newest fire, and it has spread across 19 acres with 100% containment, per CAL fire.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires.
