In a heartbreaking revelation, Shelley Sykes has announced the death of her son, Rory Sykes, during the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. The 32-year-old Australian citizen, who resided with his mother on their 6.8-hectare property in Malibu, succumbed to the flames on Thursday.
In a poignant post on X, Ms. Sykes expressed her profound sorrow: “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 heartbroken.” She fondly remembered Rory, born on July 29, 1992, as a wonderful son and a cherished gift shared between her and his grandmother.
Desperate to save their home, Ms. Sykes attempted to extinguish embers on the roof but lost access to water for the hoses. In a frantic bid to summon help, she drove 400 meters to the nearest fire station, only to be informed that local fire hydrants were dry. “When the fire department brought me back, his cottage was burnt to the ground,” she recounted to 10 News.
Tragically, Rory’s death has not yet been included in the official death toll, which currently stands at 11, as authorities await cadaver dogs to assist in locating his remains amid the rubble. The toll includes at least two fatalities from the Palisades fire and five from the Eaton fire.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, the impact of the wildfires continues to unfold, leaving devastation and heartache in their wake.
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