If you remember the British TV series from the 1990s, Kiddy Kapers, then you likely remember Rory Callum Sykes. As a child actor, he entertained many from around the world on that unique show.
At the age of 32, he was living in Los Angeles in the area where the wildfires passed through. Unfortunately, he died as a result of being in the area at his family home in Malibu, California.
Rory’s mother, Shelley Sykes confirmed her son’s death on X in a very emotional post. We can only imagine the difficulty that she is facing as a result of this loss.
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
Rory was a British-born actor who was born with cerebral palsy and was blind from birth as well. Before he moved to the United States, he lived in Sydney, Australia.
His mother said that he was staying in a cottage that belonged to the family on a 17-acre estate in Malibu. Unfortunately, he lost his life in the fires as they raged through the area.
Shelley, his mother, said that she tried to save her son but couldn’t because she was injured. She said: “He said, ‘Mom, leave me,’ and no mother can leave their child. I had a broken arm—I couldn’t lift him, I couldn’t move him.”
It was later confirmed by the fire department that Rory passed away as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from the wildfire. He is one of 11 victims of the fire that have been identified so far.
