Rory Sykes, a former child star, tragically died at the age of 32 on January 8, a victim of the devastating Palisades Fire, as confirmed by his mother, Shelley Sykes.
Born in Australia, Rory faced incredible challenges as he was blind and lived with cerebral palsy. He gained recognition for his role on the British TV show “Kiddy Kapers.” Beyond acting, Rory inspired many as a motivational speaker and co-founded the Happy Charity organization with his mother, showcasing his relentless spirit.
As flames engulfed the Malibu hills, Sykes and his mother faced the grim reality of the fire’s approach. When the chaos erupted, Shelley attempted to save Rory from their family home, but her efforts were hampered by a lack of communication and resources, leaving them vulnerable in a perilous situation.
“He was my baby, and he died needlessly,” she expressed to Australia’s 10 News First, her voice thick with sorrow. The couple’s life was deeply intertwined with their 17-acre Malibu canyon estate, a place filled with warm memories and undeniable love.
Yet, as the fierce fire approached, Shelley’s concerns turned into despair. “Guess what didn’t work? 911 – all the phone lines were down,” she reminisced painfully. Rory urged her to escape, saying, “Mom, leave me,” but a mother’s love would not allow such an exit. Shelley’s broken arm made the impossible even more harrowing.
In a desperate act, she drove to a nearby fire station seeking assistance, only to be met with grim news of their lack of water. As the fire closed in, panic surged within her. “Oh my God, my son is locked in his room,” she recalled, facing the heartbreak of a mother unable to protect her child. When she returned, it was too late; his cottage was reduced to ashes, a haunting reminder of their loss.
A poignant figure in the community, Rory wrote a book entitled “Callum’s Cure.” It shared his dream not just of walking, but also of one day being able to see, a testament to his indomitable spirit and hope against all odds.
Reports revealed that he succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning instead of direct flames, a cruel twist that haunted his mother even further. “I didn’t want any pain for my baby,” she added, her grief palpable as she contemplated a future without him.
In light of the tragedy, Shelley is considering a class-action lawsuit, seeking justice amid grief. “I’m not going to move,” she stated firmly. “This will remain a special place for Rory and I. We’ll cultivate it into something beautiful, a lasting tribute.” Her determination to honor her son’s memory resonates amidst the chaos of loss.
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection detailed the extent of the Palisades Fire, which has scorched over 23,713 acres and remains only 11% contained. The dire aftermath revealed that five lives have been lost since the fire’s ignition on January 7.
Nearby, the Eaton Fire raged with similar fury, claiming an additional eleven lives amidst its relentless advance. As Rory’s story unfolds in the backdrop of such devastation, it invites us to reflect on the unsettling interplay of nature’s power and human vulnerability.
