Desperate Battle to Save Son from LA Wildfires as Water Supplies Ran Dry
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Shelley Sykes, a TV production entrepreneur, has spoken of her desperate battle to save her 32-year-old son Rory from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have claimed at least 24 lives.
The Tragic Events
Wind-fanned wildfires have destroyed communities and homes, with water supplies running dry in some areas. Sykes, who lives on a 6.8-hectare (17-acre) estate in Malibu, a beachside city in Los Angeles County, said she and her son had been forced to flee their home due to the danger.
A Desperate Search for Help
Sykes told Australian media that she had tried to save her son, who has cerebral palsy and is blind, from the inferno. She described the harrowing experience, saying: "Rory’s feet with the heat had started to swell, and he couldn’t walk very well. And he also had problems with his tummy. So he didn’t want to be far away from the bathroom. So he said, ‘Mum, you go, I’m staying’."
A Futile Effort
Sykes said she was unable to leave her son alone on the estate, and instead stayed with him in the main property, using bottled water to try to keep him safe. She described the desperate situation, saying: "I stayed in the main property with my two peacocks in a bathroom because it was hard to breathe. Sitting on the floor with bottled water and trying to keep wet."
A Tragic Conclusion
Despite her best efforts, Sykes was unable to save her son. When the fire department took her back to the property, she found that her son’s cottage had been reduced to "just black ash." "There was nothing there," she said, her voice trembling with grief.
The Aftermath
Sykes is still coming to terms with her loss, saying: "I am just devastated, it is unreal at the moment. I cannot breathe." Fire authorities have confirmed that her son died from carbon monoxide poisoning, and Sykes is struggling to cope with the tragedy.
Conclusion
The loss of life in the LA wildfires has been devastating, and the struggles faced by those affected are heartbreaking. As the community comes together to support those affected, we can only hope for a speedy recovery and a return to normalcy.
FAQs
- What is the current situation with the LA wildfires?
The wildfires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed homes, with many more affected. - What is the cause of the wildfires?
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, but it is believed to be due to strong winds and dry conditions. - What is being done to help those affected?
Emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide aid to those affected.