Child actor Rory Callum Sykes tragically dies in LA wildfire after being trapped in cottage

A former child star has tragically perished in the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.

The mother of 32-year-old Rory Callum Sykes issued a heartbreaking statement confirming her son's death in a fire at his residence. It is believed that Rory became trapped inside a self-contained cottage near Malibu when the fire broke out.

In an emotional interview with 10 News, his mother Shelley shared: "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."

According to reports, Shelley was forced to drive a quarter of a mile in a desperate bid to seek help after being unable to reach 911. Tragically, firefighters later informed her that Rory had succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, as reported by The Mirror.

Rory gained fame as the host of the British RTV show Kiddy Kapers in 1998. Born blind and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Rory's mother had previously shared how he had "overcome so much" in life, including "therapies to regain his sight and to be able to learn how to walk."

Shelley Sykes paid tribute to her son following his untimely death, writing on Twitter/X: "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 and his grandmas birthday 29 July 92, Rory Callum Sykes."

She concluded her heartfelt post by saying, "He will be incredibly missed by @shelleysykes, mama his pet peacocks Edgee and Mickie and all his online fans around the world!" Fans and followers responded to Shelley's post with messages of sympathy.