In the early morning of Saturday, May 25, 2024, Johnny Wactor, an actor notable for his part in “General Hospital,” was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles, California. Wactor was trying to prevent thieves from stealing his car’s catalytic converter around 3:25 a.m near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street.

As reported by Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, her son and a coworker had just wrapped up their shift at a rooftop bar in downtown. They were heading to their cars when they spotted three men meddling with Wactor’s vehicle. Wactor initially thought his car was being towed and approached the men to ask, only to be met with gunfire from one of the suspects.

The 37-year-old actor suffered a bullet wound and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The perpetrators fled the scene in a vehicle, and no arrests have been made as of yet.

In an interaction with local media, Wactor’s mother expressed her sorrow over her son’s sudden demise. “Johnny was always trying to help others, even in dangerous situations. He didn’t deserve this,” she said. David Shaul, Wactor’s agent, also mourned the loss, referring to Wactor as a “spectacular human being” and a “moral example to everyone who knew him.”

Johnny Wactor was known for his role as Brando Corbin in nearly 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. He also featured in other TV shows like “Westworld,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Station 19.” His co-actor from “General Hospital,” Sofia Mattsson, who played his on-screen love interest, recounted Wactor as “genuine, caring, and incredibly hardworking. He ensured that everyone around him felt acknowledged, listened to, and cared for.”

Incidents of catalytic converter thefts have seen a surge in California, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These automobile parts, which contain valuable metals, can be sold at high prices. The increase in such thefts has prompted the introduction of new state laws to impose stricter penalties on purchasers who fail to confirm the legality of a catalytic converter.

After Wactor’s death, his former colleagues and fans expressed their condolences and shared memories on social media. A statement from the General Hospital production team noted, “Johnny was genuinely unique and a joy to work with every single day. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this challenging period.”