Former Australian child actor Rory Sykes killed in Malibu as author mom tried to find help when water ran out
Share and Follow

1

Rory Callum Sykes, 32, who lives with cerebral palsy and appeared in a handful of episodes of the British TV show Kiddy Kapers hosted by his mother author Shelley Sykes, died on the family’s 17-acre estate on Jan. 8.

“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son to the Malibu fires yesterday,” Shelley Sykes wrote on X.

“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,” she added.

Sykes was born blind and diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

The cottage caught fire when embers from the deadly blaze landed on the roof, trapping Rory inside, according to 10 News First.

The heartbroken Shelley said she attempted to move her son out of the burning building but an injury stopped her.

“He said ‘Mom leave me’ and no mom can leave their kid,” she told the outlet fighting through tears.

“I’ve got a broken arm, I couldn’t lift him, I couldn’t move him,” added.

His mother said she tried to spray the burning roof with a hose but was unsuccessful, claiming the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District had shut off her water.

The “50 brave firefighters” were also faced with battling the raging inferno in the area without water, Sykes added.

Sykes said she couldn’t call for help because “911” wouldn’t work and drove a quarter mile through the smoke-filled roads to find first responders.


Stay up to date with the NYP’s coverage of the terrifying LA-area fires


The self-contained cottage had burned down when Shelley and the firefighters returned to the property.

Rory’s death is not part of the 11 fire-related fatalities that the Los Angeles Medical Examiner announced, as his remains have not yet been recovered, the outlet reported.

The Palisades Fire has killed five people while the Eaton Fire claimed six other lives.

Firefighters told Sykes that her son died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I didn’t want any pain for my baby,” Sykes cried.

Sykes was a former child actor and hosted the British RTV Show ‘Kiddy Kapers’ in 1998, according to NewsAU.

The Malibu estate was featured on Shelley Sykes Reality TV show “Get Syked with Style.” He later described himself as a “gamer and a philanthropist,” his website read.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
ICE officers injured after illegal immigrant strikes agents, rams vehicles during arrest attempt

ICE Officers Injured in Arrest Incident Involving Unauthorized Immigrant

In a dramatic altercation in St. Paul, Minnesota, federal immigration officers faced…
Driving Home for Christmas singer Chris Rea dies aged 74 

Legendary Singer Chris Rea, Beloved for ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ Passes Away at 74

Chris Rea, the musician known for the holiday classic “Driving Home for…
‘Israel is only the appetizer’: Huckabee warns Iran threat looms as Netanyahu eyes Trump talks

Huckabee Cautions on Iran’s Growing Threat as Netanyahu Considers Discussion with Trump

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ The U.S.…
Bradley Cooper asks for Gigi Hadid's hand in marriage

Hollywood Buzz: Bradley Cooper Proposes to Supermodel Gigi Hadid, Sparking Engagement Excitement

Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid are reportedly making significant strides toward a…
FCC blacklists foreign-made drones over security, spying concerns

FCC Bans Foreign-Made Drones Amidst Security and Espionage Concerns

In a move grounded in national security concerns, the Federal Communications Commission…
Biff Poggi doesn't hold back on 'malfunctioning' Michigan football program

Inside Biff Poggi’s Bold Critique: Unveiling the Flaws in Michigan Football’s System

Biff Poggi is not holding back in his candid evaluation of Michigan’s…
Brown University police chief placed on leave

Brown University Police Chief Temporarily Relieved of Duties: What You Need to Know

The chief of police at Brown University has been placed on leave…
With FDA approval of Wegovy pill, new era of oral GLP-1 weight loss drugs begins

FDA Greenlights Wegovy Pill: A New Chapter for Oral GLP-1 Weight Loss Solutions Begins

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to…