Rory Callum Sykes, Ex-Child Actor, Dies at 32 in Palisades Blaze [WATCH]

Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor and motivational speaker, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, January 8, as a victim of the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California.

He was 32 years old. Sykes’ mother, Shelley Sykes, confirmed the news and shared details of the events leading to his death.

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

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Sykes, born blind and with cerebral palsy, lived in a guest house on his family’s 17-acre property in Malibu Canyon.

When the Palisades Fire erupted, the family faced significant challenges due to limited emergency resources and communication outages.

Shelley Sykes described the harrowing moments to Australia’s 10 News First. “He said, ‘Mom, leave me,’ and no mom can leave their kid,” she recounted. “I’ve got a broken arm; I couldn’t lift him. I couldn’t move him.”

Unable to reach emergency services due to downed phone lines, Shelley drove to a local fire station for assistance.

However, she was informed that they had no water to combat the rapidly advancing blaze. By the time firefighters arrived at the property, Rory’s cottage had been completely destroyed by the fire.

“He died with carbon monoxide poisoning rather than burning,” Shelley said, adding, “I didn’t want any pain for my baby.”

Former child star Rory Sykes, who was blind and had cerebral palsy, passed away in the LA fires, told his mom to leave him.

Horrific.

Sykes, 32, was unable to move because of his condition as the fire approached.

His mother, who had a broken arm and couldn’t lift him, said she… pic.twitter.com/7WhKNxNuNa

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 12, 2025

Rory Callum Sykes gained fame as a child actor on the British television show Kiddy Kapers.

Beyond his acting career, he became a motivational speaker and co-founded the Happy Charity organization with his mother.

The charity focused on helping individuals with disabilities and advocating for their rights.

Sykes also authored a book, Callum’s Cure, chronicling his determination to overcome challenges and pursue his dreams of walking and seeing despite his disabilities.

Born in the United Kingdom, Rory moved to Australia as a child.

His life and work inspired many, and his death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and admired him.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on Tuesday, January 7, has burned 23,713 acres and is only 11% contained, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Five fatalities have been confirmed so far.

In nearby Altadena, the Eaton Fire, which also began on January 7, has consumed 14,117 acres and is 27% contained.

That fire has claimed 11 lives, further highlighting the devastating impact of this wildfire season.

Despite the tragedy, Shelley Sykes plans to remain on the Malibu property in memory of her son. “I’m not going to move,” she said.

“That’s going to be the place, a special place for Rory and I, and we’ll make it even more beautiful than it already was.”

Shelley is reportedly considering a class-action lawsuit over the lack of resources and communication failures during the emergency.

Rory Callum Sykes’ legacy as an advocate and inspiration to many will not be forgotten.

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