Former Child Star Among the Dead in California Wildfires

The death toll in the California wildfires is sitting at 16 as of this report, and I fully expect that number to climb considerably once first responders can start to get into these areas to fully assess the damage and carnage.  

I have seen numerous reports of stars or entertainers missing, but only one of them has been confirmed dead thus far.  

That would be Rory Sykes, a former child star, who was only 32.  

He’s Gone 

Sykes is a native Australian who was born blind and with cerebral palsy.  

In addition to his acting, he was a highly sought-after motivational speaker.  

He also worked with Happy Charity.  

Sykes lived in Malibu and was trying to evacuate the area, but was among those who got caught in the chaos.  

His mother explained, "He was my baby, and he died needlessly.” 

She added, "Guess what didn't work? 911 – all the phone lines were down. 

"He said, ‘Mom, leave me,’ and no mom can leave their kid. I've got a broken arm; I couldn't lift him. I couldn't move him." 

His mother drove to a local fire station for help since she could not call them, but when she returned, the home had already burned down.  

She explained, "I said, 'Oh my God, my son is locked in his room. When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground." 

This is something that will scar her for the rest of her life, which is why I am so adamant that California officials must be held accountable for this.  

Sykes was best known for his role in “Kiddy Kapers,” which aired in 1998.  

He also has two more credits on his acting resume, “Mornings with Kerri-Anne" and “Shelley Sykes: Rappin’ Mama!”