Former child star tragically killed in Los Angeles fires, mom confirms

The devastating wildfires tearing through Malibu, California, have claimed the life of a former child star, as confirmed by his family.

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At least 11 people have died in the devastating blazes. Credit: Apu Gomes/ Getty

Rory Callum Sykes died at the age of 32, as confirmed by his mother, Shelly Sykes, on social media.

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The grieving mom wrote that her son – who had faced significant challenges from birth – died on January 8 when fire engulfed their Mount Malibu TV Studio estate.

“He overcame so much with surgeries and therapies to regain his sight and to be able to learn how to walk,” Dr Sykes wrote in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), remembering her son, who was born blind and with cerebral palsy.

Heroic Fight to Save Her Son

Dr Sykes, a British-born Australian, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to Rory’s death, claiming that the local Las Virgenes Municipal Water company had “switched off” the water supply during the blaze.

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Rory Sykes – a former child star – has died in the fires, his family has confirmed. Credit: YouTube

“I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off,” she explained. “Even the 50 brave firefighters had no water all day! He will be incredibly missed.”

As flames encroached on their 17-acre property, Dr Sykes made repeated attempts to call emergency services, only to find the lines unresponsive. Desperate to save her son, she drove to the nearest fire station, leaving Rory behind in their self-contained cottage.

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“When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground,” she tearfully told 10 News.

Rory’s death has not yet been added to the official wildfire death toll, as authorities must first locate his remains in the rubble of his home.

A Life of Courage and Accomplishment

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Born in West Yorkshire, UK, and raised in New South Wales, Australia, Rory lived an extraordinary life despite his challenges.

He attended St Mary’s Cathedral College and Sydney Distance Education High School, excelling in his studies.

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Rory’s talents took him to the stage and screen as a child, hosting the British RTV show Kiddy Kapers and performing Singing in the Rain at the Sydney Opera House. In later years, he became an online gamer, philanthropist, and public speaker, dedicating his life to helping others.

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In 2005, he co-founded the Happy Charity with his mother, raising funds for sick children worldwide.

Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

Rory’s death comes as part of a broader tragedy unfolding across Los Angeles, where wildfires have caused massive devastation.

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Sky News reports that at least 11 people have been killed, and over 10,000 structures have been destroyed since the fires began on Thursday. Authorities estimate damages will exceed $135 billion, per BBC News.

More than 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, and emergency services continue to battle blazes such as the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have claimed multiple lives.

A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed they are providing consular assistance to Rory’s family but declined to comment further due to privacy obligations.

Dr Sykes, speaking to reporters, expressed the unimaginable loss of her son, whom she described as a “wonderful son” and a “gift born on mine and his grandma’s birthday”.

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