The official cause of death for actor Johnny Wactor has been revealed following his tragic death at the age of 37.
As previously reported, Wactor - who is perhaps best known for his role as Brando Corbin in more than 160 episodes of the hit ABC soap opera General Hospital - died on Saturday in Los Angeles.
The actor had just finished working a shift at a rooftop bar and was walking to his car with a female co-worker in the early hours of Saturday. However, the pair stumbled upon a trio of armed and masked men attempting to steal Wactor's catalytic converter.
Initially believing the men to be towing his car, Wactor's family say he attempted to speak to one of the suspects.
Per the New York Post, the actor's brother says Wactor stepped in front of his co-worker after he noticed the gun, before he was shot. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the actor was pronounced dead.
Wactor’s grieving mother, Scarlett, said her son died “hero” and has slammed the “coward” who killed him.
Now, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed on Wednesday (May 29) that the actor died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest, with Wactor's manner of death being listed as a homicide.
After the senseless shooting, the three suspects fled the scene in a vehicle.
As of this writing, no suspects have been identified.
Grant Wactor, Johnny's brother, 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.”
Grant - citing the Los Angeles Police Department’s assessment of the incident - said that his brother was backing away before the men opened fire. Mom Scarlett emphasized that Johnny did not try to fight or stop them.
Following news of the actor's passing, many of his former castmates have taken to social media to pay tribute to the 37-year-old.
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."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Wactor's family, friends, and fans at this time.
