Australian Rory Sykes, 32, killed at Malibu home in Los Angeles wildfires

An Australian former child actor has been killed in the devastating California wildfires, as his mum blames authorities for shutting off the water supply.

An Australian man living in California has been killed as a wildfire tore through Malibu.

Rory Callum Sykes, 32, was confirmed to have died in a statement by his mother Shelly Sykes on social media.

Ms Sykes said her son, who was born blind and with cerebral palsy has “overcome so much” in his life before it was cut short on January 8.

“He overcame so much with surgeries and therapies to regain his sight and to be able to learn how to walk,” she said.

Rory Sykes, as a child on 'Kerri-Anne'. Picture: YouTube

Dr Sykes said her son died when the Malibu fire tore through their estate on Mount Malibu TV Studio estate, blaming the local Las Virgenes Municipal Water company.

“I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off,” she said.

“Even the 50 brave fire fighters had no water all day! He will be incredibly missed.”

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… pic.twitter.com/X77xyk83gx

— Shelley Sykes (@shelleysykes) January 9, 2025

Dr Sykes said she made a series of phone calls to emergency services as fire encroached on their 17 acre property, but the calls did not connect.

She said was forced to leave Rory alone and drive to the nearest fire station to raise the alarm.
“When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground,” Ms Sykes told 10 News.

Rory Sykes, 32, with his mother Shelly Sykes. Picture: X

Rory was born in West Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom, and was educated at St Mary’s Cathedral College and Sydney Distance Education High School in New South Wales.

According to his website, Mr Sykes hosted British RTV Show Kiddy Kapers and later performed Singing in the Rain at the Sydney Opera House during a short-lived career as a child actor and model.

In later years, Mr Sykes was an online gamer philanthropist and public speaker.

Rory Sykes died aged 32 . Picture: X

He co-founded the Happy Charity alongside his mother in 2005, fundraising for sick children globally.

At least 11 people have been killed since a series of wildfires began around the city of Los Angeles on Thursday, with more than 10,000 structures razed.

Thousands of homes have been razed in greater Los Angeles. Picture: Eric Thayer/Getty Images/AFP

More than 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate as authorities estimate the damage bill already exceeds $100B USD.

Originally published as Australian Rory Sykes, 32, killed at Malibu home in Los Angeles wildfires