Callum Jones
Former child actor Rory Callum Sykes has died aged 32 amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, his mother has announced.
The Brit, who was blind and lived with cerebral palsy, starred in the British RTV show Kiddy Kapers back in 1998 and become a much-loved star.
He defied the odds amid the ongoing health battles, and even went on to learn to walk, run and see.
Shelley Sykes, Rory's mother, took to Twitter on Thursday (January 9) to confirm her son had died after a blaze in his home.
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"It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday," she wrote on social media.
"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 Sykes. @rorysykes was the founder with me of @happycharity a true humanitarian. He saw him self as the number one fan of @Apple & @tim_cook & most importantly an avid @RuneScape gamer!"
The mother added: "@rorysykes was born blind with cerebral palsy & had difficulty walking. He overcame so much with surgeries & therapies to regain his sight & to be able to learn to walk. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica."
Shelley went on to explain how Rory had his own cottage in Malibu, which 'burnt down' on Wednesday (January 8).
She continued: "I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off by @LVMWD Las Virgenes Municipal Water. Even the 50 brave fire fighters had no water all day! He will be incredibly missed by @shelleysykes, mama his pet peacocks Edgee & Mickie & all his online fans around the world!"
Reports suggest Shelly drove a quarter of a mile to try and save her son after she was unable to get in touch with emergency services on the phone.
Speaking further to 10 News about her son's passing, she said: "I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off. When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground. He will be incredibly missed."
Many have flocked to the comments section of Shelley's social media post to pay their respects.
"I’m so sorry to read this news. What a traumatic experience for both of you. Sending my condolences," one person wrote.
While a second added: "So heartbreaking I’m terribly sorry for your loss."