Mother of Former Child Star Killed in Palisades Fire Speaks on Devastating Loss
A Harrowing Story of Tragedy and Grief
In an emotional interview, Shelley Sykes, the mother of former child actor Rory Sykes who died in their Malibu home amid the Palisades Fire, shared her harrowing story and grieved the devastating loss of her son.
The Final Moments
Shelley fought back tears recalling the final moments with 32-year-old Rory, who was born blind and lived with cerebral palsy.
On Jan. 7, when the Palisades Fire broke out, the mother and son stayed behind at their Malibu home believing they were safe. Overnight, though, as the wind-driven fire escalated and sent embers flying onto their property, a massive flare up trapped Rory, who has difficulty walking, inside his cottage.
A Desperate Attempt to Save Her Son
“I drove up to the top of his cottage, turned on the hose pipe and no water came out of it,” Shelley explained. “I raced back down and dialed 911 but 911 wasn’t working and all the lines were down for emergencies.”
Despite her best efforts, she says Rory locked himself in his cottage and told his mother to save herself instead.
A Life Cut Short
Rory Sykes, a former child star pictured here with his mother, died at the age of 32 as the Palisades Fire trapped him in his cottage on Jan. 8, 2025.
“He was always worried about me, I think he felt guilty I did so much for him,” Shelley told KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo. “He was my baby. No mommy leaves her kid when they’re special.”
A Life of Philanthropy and Achievement
As a child, Sykes hosted “Kiddy Kapers,” a British television show produced by his mother. He soon realized he did not like “life in front of the camera,” and went on to be “a philanthropist, investor, gamer, developer, founder, speaker, and mentor,” his website explains.
A Message of Love and Peace
Shelley said that she grabbed her peacocks and drove down to try and get help, but when firefighters returned, the cottage as well as the main were completely destroyed by fire.
Officials have yet to retrieve the former child star’s remains from the charred rubble of the cottage.
“His life should have been celebrated because he was pretty awesome. I’m sending love and peace to everyone out there suffering,” Rory’s mother said. “Nobody should go through this.”
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Rory Sykes serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared. Our thoughts are with Shelley Sykes and her family during this difficult time.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the Palisades Fire?
A: The cause of the Palisades Fire is still under investigation.
Q: How did the fire affect the Sykes family?
A: The fire trapped Rory Sykes in his cottage, resulting in his death. The main house was also destroyed.
Q: What was Rory Sykes known for?
A: Rory Sykes was a former child star who went on to become a philanthropist, investor, gamer, developer, founder, speaker, and mentor.
