Tragic Death of Rory Sykes
Rory Sykes, a former child star best known for his role in the 1990s British television show Kiddy Kapers, has tragically died in the Los Angeles wildfires. Sykes, who lived with cerebral palsy, passed away at the age of 32 in a devastating fire that swept through Malibu.
A Heartbreaking Loss
His mother, Shelley Sykes, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, stating, ‘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 heartbroken.’
Shelley, who also hosted Kiddy Kapers, revealed that Rory died in his cottage on their family’s 17-acre Malibu estate. She explained her desperation as she tried to extinguish the flames on his roof, stating that water services were cut off by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
The Final Moments
Speaking to a news outlet, Shelley recounted the heart-stopping moments leading up to Rory’s death. With her arm broken and Rory unable to walk due to his condition, she struggled to free him from the blaze. ‘He said, “Mom, leave me,”’ she recalled tearfully. ‘No mom can leave their kid.’
A Mother’s Quest for Help
After 911 proved unreachable, Shelley rushed to a nearby firehouse for assistance, but upon returning with help, it was too late. Firefighters informed her that Rory had succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
A Life of Resilience
Rory, born in Britain and later moving to Australia before settling in the U.S., faced numerous challenges, including surgeries and therapies to restore his sight and mobility. Despite his struggles, he maintained an adventurous spirit. Shelley reflected, ‘Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica.’
Legacy of Giving
By the age of eight, Rory was already an inspirational speaker and had founded Happy Charity to assist those in need. His mother expressed her pride in his accomplishments and the impact he made: ‘He will be incredibly missed.’
Conclusion
This tragic incident has not only taken a talented individual from the world but also serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating power of wildfires. As the community mourns, Rory’s legacy of positivity and resilience will continue to inspire many.
