Former child actor dies in LA wildfire after getting trapped in self contained cottage
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A child star has been killed by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Rory Callum Sykes' mum released a heartbreaking statement to share the news her 32-year-old son had died in a blaze at his home. It's thought Rory was trapped inside a self-contained cottage near Malibu when it caught fire.
His mother Shelley tragically told 10 News: "I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off. When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground. He will be incredibly missed.". Reports claim Shelley had been forced to drive a quarter of a mile in her desperate bid for help after being unable to reach 911 on the phone. Sadly, firefighters later informed her that her son had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Rory had hosted British RTV show Kiddy Kapers back in 1998. He was blind from birth and had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His mum had previously said his condition had meant he had "overcome so much" in his life, including "therapies to regain his sight and to be able to learn how to walk.".
In a touching tribute following his passing, Shelley took to Twitter/X to write: "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 Sykes." She concluded her tribute by writing: "He will be incredibly missed by @shelleysykes, mama his pet peacocks Edgee & Mickie & all his online fans around the world!".
