Rory Sykes, a 32-year-old Australian man known for his inspiring story of living with disabilities, has tragically died in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed.
Sykes, who gained recognition as a child for speaking openly about his experiences with cerebral palsy and other challenges, passed away at his family’s Malibu home on Wednesday, January 8. His mother, Shelley Sykes, shared the heartbreaking news in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the following day.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday,” Shelley wrote, describing her son as “wonderful” and saying she was “totally heartbroken.”
A Life of Overcoming Challenges
Born in the UK and blind at birth, Rory Sykes faced numerous surgeries and therapies throughout his life, regaining his sight and learning to walk. He lived in Sydney, Australia, before moving to the U.S. in recent months.
Despite enduring pain, Rory embraced life, traveling extensively and later becoming an avid gamer, investor, and philanthropist. He co-founded Happy Charity with his mother to support others facing difficulties.
Shelley described her son as someone who had “overcome so much” and who would be “incredibly missed.”
Devastating Circumstances
Rory was staying in a cottage on his family’s 17-acre estate when the fire struck. Shelley recounted her desperate attempts to save her son, hindered by a broken arm and the lack of water to combat the flames.
“I couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off … Even the 50 brave firefighters had no water all day,” she wrote.
As the fire engulfed the cottage, Rory urged his mother to leave him behind, a moment she tearfully recounted to 10 News First.
“He said, ‘Mom leave me,’ and no mom can leave their kid,” Shelley said, adding that she physically couldn’t move him.
Tragic Toll of the Wildfires
L.A. fire officials later confirmed that Rory died from carbon monoxide poisoning. His cottage was completely destroyed in the blaze.
At least 11 people have died since the wildfires began on January 7, according to the L.A. County medical examiner. Details about the other victims are still emerging.
International Support
Australian officials have confirmed they are providing consular assistance to Rory’s family. However, due to privacy concerns, further details were not disclosed.
The tragic loss of Rory Sykes, once an inspirational figure for many, highlights the human toll of the ongoing L.A. wildfires, which continue to devastate the region.
- David Sugarman emphasises challenges are opportunities to build Resilience
- Hetty, aka Christine Hettinger, has all eyes on her as a rising Tattoo Artist
- Nikki Lien Dixon: The Visionary Behind Eternall Radio and the Heartfelt Story of Bright As A Star
- Maddy Kelman: From Farmers’ Markets to Fine Dining
- Darren Dunn: A Visionary Leader Transforming Tourism Through Innovation and AI
