Rory Callum Sykes, an Australian former child actor, died when the Palisades Fire in California engulfed his family’s Malibu cottage. Rory was 32 years old and lived with cerebral palsy. He had appeared on the British TV show Kiddy Kapers, which was hosted by his mother, author Shelley Sykes. Shelley said that water supplies in the area were exhausted as the fire consumed their property.
Shelley posted the tragic news on X, stating, “It is with utmost sadness that I have to announce the passing of my beautiful son to the Malibu fires yesterday.” She couldn’t help but share her pride in Rory’s tenacity. She said, “He overcame so much with surgeries & therapies to regain his sight & to be able to learn to walk. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica. Born blind and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Rory faced extraordinary challenges throughout his life. Tragically, he was trapped inside the family’s cottage after embers from the blaze ignited its roof. Shelley explained she tried to save him but was hindered by an injury. Rory’s death has yet to be included among the 11 fatalities reported by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, as his remains have not been recovered, according to 10 News First.
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… pic.twitter.com/X77xyk83gx
— Shelley Sykes (@shelleysykes) January 9, 2025
Ongoing Los Angeles Wildfire Updates
The Los Angeles County wildfires have been catastrophic, with six active fires since Tuesday that have taken at least 11 lives and destroyed or damaged 10,000 structures. Fire officials believe that these numbers will continue to grow as they enter more burned areas.
The Palisades Fire, which had been stabilizing, flared up Friday night, forcing new evacuation orders for Brentwood and parts of the San Fernando Valley foothills. Earlier in the day, progress had been reported, with the Palisades Fire 8% contained and the Eaton Fire 3% contained after efforts from hundreds of firefighters working on the ground and from the air. However, until Friday, both fires were listed as 0% contained by Cal Fire.
Together, the two fires have burned 35,000 acres, an area roughly 2.5 times the size of Manhattan. More than 153,000 people are still under evacuation orders, and another 166,800 are under warnings. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna imposed a curfew across evacuation zones after a public health emergency was declared because of worsening air quality and the displacement of thousands.
