Tragic Incident: Johnny Wactor Fatally Shot in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – Actor Johnny Wactor, widely known for his role on the daytime drama “General Hospital,” tragically lost his life early Sunday morning in Los Angeles. Wactor, 37, was fatally shot while interrupting a crime, according to his family and local police.
Incident Details
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that around 3:25 a.m. Sunday, Wactor encountered three individuals removing a catalytic converter from a vehicle near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street, in the southwest corner of downtown Los Angeles. When he intervened, one of the suspects opened fire, resulting in Wactor’s death.
Family Statements
Scarlett Wactor, Johnny’s mother, confirmed the tragic incident. “There is a huge hole in all of us, and there is no fixing that,” she lamented. She remembered her son as “a light in a dark room” and recounted his passion for acting, which he pursued from a young age.
Scarlett detailed the moments leading up to the shooting. Johnny, who had been bartending at a rooftop venue nearby, was walking to his car with a co-worker after helping with a “deep clean” following last call. They discovered his car jacked up, leading Johnny to believe it was being towed. As he approached to inquire, he was shot by one of the suspects.
Career and Legacy
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, praised him as a dedicated worker and an exemplary individual. “In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” Shaul said. Wactor’s career spanned over a decade, including 164 episodes on “General Hospital,” where he portrayed Brando Corbin, and roles in “Westworld” and the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”
Community Impact
The incident occurred near Crypto Arena, highlighting ongoing concerns about catalytic converter thefts, a crime that has surged nationwide due to the high value of metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium found in these devices. Efforts to curb these thefts have included legislative measures across various states.
Memories and Mourning
Scarlett Wactor finds solace in her son’s acting work, hoping that watching his performances will help her cope with the loss. “I think that when I see Johnny on the videos and the recordings, I can only hope that he’s doing that in heaven and enjoying it,” she said.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
Johnny Wactor’s untimely death leaves a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and fans, marking a tragic end to a promising and dedicated career.
