'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor 'died protecting female co-worker', brother says

Johnny Wactor lost his life while attempting to protect a female co-worker, his brother has said.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the 37-year-old actor had sadly died after being fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles.

Wactor's mom, Scarlett, told TMZ that her son had just finished a shift at a nearby rooftop bar, when he and a co-worker walked to his vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning.

However, when they arrived at his car, they were allegedly met by three masked suspects attempting to steal his catalytic converter.

Johnny Wactor died "trying to protect a female co-worker", his brother says. Credit: Jesse Grant / Getty

Speaking to KABC, the grieving mom claimed that her son believed his car was being towed and attempted to speak to one of the suspects. He was then shot.

Paramedics rushed Johnny to a nearby hospital, but he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Now, the actor's brother has shared more details about the tragic incident.

The actor was just 37 years old. Credit: David Livingston / Getty

Grant Wactor told Daily Mail: “We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.

“He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?’

“And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that’s when they shot him.”

Citing the Los Angeles Police Department’s assessment of the incident, Grant said that his brother was backing away before the men opened fire, echoing their mom's claims that Johnny did not try to fight or stop them.

The three suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and - as of this writing - have not been identified.

Credit: Vincent Sandoval / Getty

The actor's grandmother, Barbara, described the killing as "senseless", adding: "We are completely devastated."

Additionally, mom Scarlett added that her son's final heroic moments are "a light in a dark room", in an interview with NBC News.

Wactor appeared in more than 160 episodes of the hit ABC soap opera General Hospital.

Following news of Wactor's passing, his castmates have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star.

Actress Bonnie Burroughs - who played Johnny's on-screen mom on the show - wrote on Instagram: "It was my great privilege to work with and become friends with this gentle, talented, generous soul. I loved him and grieve for his real mother."

In a post of her own, she added: "I am heartbroken and sickened by this terrible loss. Johnny I love you. My heart breaks for your real mom and your whole family. The world is darker now."

And Wactor's on-screen wife Sofia Mattsson also paid tribute, writing: "My heart is so utterly broken... Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved.

"I admire the man he was so much and I'm a better person for having known him. We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen, and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart.

"You will be so incredibly missed Johnny... I'm sure you're already busy taking care of everyone up there."

Sofia Mattsson, who plays Sasha Gilmore on the show, added: "We will miss you so much Johnny. One of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met."

And Kelly Thiebaud, who plays Dr. Britt Westbourne on the hit ABC daytime soap opera, described Wactor as "one of the best".

Our thoughts continue to go out to Wactor's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Vincent Sandoval / Getty