An Australian citizen is among those killed in the Los Angeles wildfires, his mum announced on social media.
British-born Rory Callum Sykes moved to Australia as a child and attended school in Sydney but has been living in the US more recently.
A 32-year-old man, who has cerebral palsy, was at his mother’s Malibu home when the Palisades fire started on Tuesday. The fire quickly spread through the area due to the Santa Ana winds.
Rory’s mum, Shelley Sykes, said she is “totally heart broken” when announcing the news of her loss.
His mother described him as a wonderful son and a precious gift, born on her and his grandma’s birthday. She shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, specifically on X, which was previously known as Twitter.
According to his mother, the man was inside a cottage on their Malibu property when it caught fire. She mentioned that despite her efforts to extinguish the flames with a hose, there was no water supply available.
“I’ve got a broken arm, I couldn’t lift him, I couldn’t move him,” she told Ten News First.
Shelley said Rory is not yet a part of the official Los Angles fire death toll, which currently sits at 11 people but is expected to rise over the coming days.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said they are aware of the Australian citizen’s death and “are engaging closely with local authorities” to assist his family.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to his family. Our thoughts are with them,” a DFTA spokesperson told 9News.com.au in a statement.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
DFAT is encouraging Australians in Los Angeles or those planning to travel there to check the Smartraveller website for updates.
