A 32-year-old former child actor Rory Callum Sykes died in the Los Angeles wildfires on 8th January, 2025. Born in Australia and later moving to the United Kingdom, Sykes first achieved fame at an early age as the host of the British television show “Kiddy Kapers” in 1998.
Sykes was born blind and suffered from cerebral palsy. With multiple surgeries and therapies, he regained his eyesight and was able to walk again. Many were inspired by his determination and courage. He was fond of traveling, gaming, and charity work. He started the “Happy Charity” organization for many causes.
When the accident happened, Sykes was living in a self-contained cottage on his family’s estate in Malibu, California. The cottage caught fire after the embers of the Palisades Fire had landed on its roof.
Rory Callum Sykes with his mother Shelley Sykes
His mother, Shelley Sykes, attempted to extinguish the flames using a hose, but it did not help her much as the water supply was scarce. Being injured, she could not drag her son away from the danger zone. She was later informed by the firefighters that Rory had died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Shelley Sykes said on social media, “I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off. He will be incredibly missed.”
