Rory Callum Sykes, a former child actor, tragically died at 32 in the Los Angeles wildfires, his mother Shelley confirmed. Rory, who had cerebral palsy and was blind, passed away when flames engulfed the family’s Malibu home.

Born in Britain and later living in Australia and the US, Rory defied medical expectations, learning to walk and see despite his disabilities. He starred in the 1998 British TV series Kiddy Kapers, and Shelley chronicled his journey in her book Callum’s Cure.

Shelley described her heartbreaking attempts to save Rory. As fires approached their property, water supply and phone lines failed, preventing her from extinguishing flames or calling for help. Despite Rory urging her to leave, she couldn’t lift him due to a broken arm. Emergency personnel arrived too late, and his cottage was destroyed. Rory is believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, though his remains have not yet been recovered.

The wildfires have claimed 11 lives so far, with authorities warning the toll may rise. Australian officials are offering diplomatic support to the affected family, urging all Australians in the area to follow local safety guidance.