Johnny Wactor - star of the popular TV show General Hospital - has been killed in Los Angeles during an alleged armed car robbery.
The actor's grieving mom, Scarlett Wactor, confirmed the news to TMZ, adding that her son was fatally shot in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was just 37 years old.
Mom Scarlett told the outlet that her son had been with a coworker when they allegedly stumbled upon three suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from Johnny's car.
Los Angeles authorities have not officially named the actor as a victim of the incident, but Scarlett's comments match the description of a reported incident in which three masked suspects allegedly tried to steal the expensive catalytic converter.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:30AM on May 25, TMZ reports - citing Scarlett and LA police.
Mom Scarlett says that Johnny 'didn't try to fight or stop them', but he was still shot at and killed. The suspects then fled in a vehicle. Speaking to KABC, Scarlett claimed that her son believed his car was being towed and attempted to speak to one of the suspects.
Johnny - who has appeared in more than 160 episodes of General Hospital as Brando Corbin - had just finished a shift at a rooftop bar prior to the tragic incident taking place.
Paramedics rushed Johnny to a nearby hospital, but he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Officials for General Hospital have issued a statement following the actor's heartbreaking death, writing: "The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor's untimely passing. He was truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."
Actress Bonnie Burroughs - who played Johnny's on-screen mom on the show - commented 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."
Wactor's manager, Marco Cuadros with Immortal Artist, said in a statement: "Johnny Wactor was such a kind soul, a talented actor and an inspiration to those around him. His professionalism, his enthusiasm and love for his craft was infectious and made him such a joy to work with.
"He pursued his dreams and achieved them, all the while remaining a good human being caring for others. I am proud to say I was Johnny's manager and friend. He will always be cherished in my memory. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."
As well as General Hospital, Wactor is known for his performances in Station 19, NCIS, Westworld, and for his voice work in the video game Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Our thoughts go out to Wactor's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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