On January 8, Wednesday, the tragic news emerged that Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor, succumbed to the devastating Palisades Fire, as confirmed by his mother, Shelley Sykes. He was 32 years old. Rory, an Australian actor who was born blind and battled cerebral palsy, shone brightly on the British television series "Kiddy Kapers." Beyond his enchanting performances on camera, Rory also inspired many as a motivational speaker and co-founded the Happy Charity organization alongside his mother.
As the Palisades Fire erupted, Sykes attempted to evacuate their Malibu residence, but struggled to reach emergency services amidst limited resources, including power outages. "He was my cherished child, and his demise was utterly unnecessary," Sykes lamented to Australia's 10 News First. Her son resided in a guest cottage on their expansive 17-acre Malibu canyon property. As the inferno approached their community, communication with the outside world became impossible. "Imagine my shock when 911 failed – all phone lines were dead," she recounted. "He urged, 'Mom, leave me,' but as a mother, abandoning my child was unthinkable. With a broken arm, I couldn't lift or move him."
Desperate to evacuate, Sykes raced to the local fire station for assistance but was met with the devastating news that they had "no water." "I pleaded, 'My son is trapped in his room,'" Sykes回忆道. "When the fire department escorted me back, his cottage had been reduced to ashes."
Sykes, originally from Britain but raised in Australia, penned a book titled "Callum's Cure," which chronicled his unwavering determination to not only walk but also see one day. According to firefighters, Sykes learned that her son had succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning rather than burns. "I never wanted my baby to endure any pain," she said. Contemplating a class action lawsuit, Sykes remains steadfast in her current location. "I won't budge," she declared. "This place, now a sacred ground for Rory and me, will be made even more magnificent than it already was."
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported on Sunday that the Palisades Fire had scorched 23,713 acres and was 11% contained. Since its ignition on Tuesday, January 7, five fatalities have been reported. Meanwhile, less than 30 miles away, the Eaton Fire, which also sparked on January 7 in Altadena, has burned 14,117 acres and is 27% contained. Tragically, eleven fatalities have been confirmed.
