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Blind Former Child Star Rory Callum Sykes Dies at 32 in LA Wildfires After Mother Unable to Save Him

Jan 12, 2025, 02:10 AM

Former child actor and motivational speaker Rory Callum Sykes has died at the age of 32 in the Los Angeles wildfires, which have now claimed at least 16 lives. Born blind and with cerebral palsy, Sykes was unable to evacuate from his family's Malibu estate when the fires, considered the worst in LA history, swept through the area. His mother, Shelley Sykes, who had a broken arm, tried to save him but was unable to lift him to safety. She attempted to extinguish the flames but discovered the water supply had been shut off. Unable to call for help as 911 was down, she was forced to leave after Sykes told her to save herself. He died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Known for his roles in children's shows such as 'Kiddy Kapers,' 'Sunny Days,' and 'Camp Stars,' Sykes was also a motivational speaker and disabilities advocate.