Cause of death of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor announced

The cause of death of Johnny Wactor, the “General Hospital” actor who was shot and killed in Los Angeles over the weekend, has been announced.

The 37-year-old actor died of a “gunshot wound to the chest,” according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s official website. The cause of death was determined to be homicide.

According to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department, Wactor was shot early Saturday morning during an attempted theft of a catalytic converter downtown.

The actor, who played Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was taken to a local hospital, where the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced him dead.

In a statement to Variety on Sunday, Wactor’s talent agent David Shaul called the actor a “spectacular human being” who was “a true moral role model to everyone who knew him.”

“He represents hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. Through the ups and downs of a demanding profession, he always kept his head up and continued to strive to be the best he could be,” Shaul said. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on anyone. He would literally give you the shirt off your back. After over a decade together, he will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”

Johnny Wactor was shot ‘without provocation’ when suspects stole his car’s catalytic converter: LAPD

According to local television station KTLA, the LAPD said Wactor saw three men stealing the catalytic converter from his car. When he confronted them, they turned around and shot him.

Officers responded to a radio call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting in the 1200 block of Hope Street in Los Angeles at approximately 3:25 a.m. local time. When police arrived at the scene, “they discovered the victim, identified as John William Wactor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound,” the police press release said.

The actor’s mother, Scarlett, told ABC7 on Sunday that her son had just left work at a downtown rooftop bar when the incident happened, and Wactor initially thought his car was being towed, so he approached the person and asked if that was the case. However, when the masked suspect looked up, he opened fire on her son, she said.

LAPD officials added in their press release that Wactor’s vehicle was being raised with a jack as the three individuals attempted to steal the catalytic converter. “Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals,” the LAPD said. “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and were driving a dark-colored sedan.”

The suspects are still at large, police said. The Central Bureau Homicide is investigating Wactor’s case.

Johnny Wactor died: “General Hospital” actor shot dead at age 37 in suspected robbery attempt

Johnny Wactor’s ex tells the killer in emotional video: “You shot the wrong person”

In an emotional video shared on social media on Monday, Tessa Farrell, who identified herself as Wactor’s former fiancée, remembered the actor as “such a shining soul” after he was shot and killed in downtown LA. She wore the ring they wore to their engagement while speaking directly to the camera.

“He was truly loved, and he loved all of you so much,” Farrell said in the video, wiping tears from his eyes. “He loved everyone so much. He was so selfless. He will forever be a huge part of my journey as a human being.”

Farrell then addressed Wactor’s killers directly, telling them, “You shot the wrong guy.” She also called for “laws to prevent this,” adding, “These criminals cannot continue to be on the streets and they cannot continue to be sent back without facing consequences for their actions.”

“You shot the wrong person”: The ex of “General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor sends a message to the killer in an emotional video

Farrell explained that she and Wactor fell in love after meeting in 2013 when they both moved to California to become actors. Although they “had to part ways romantically” because they “just fit better together as friends” and their engagement was “rushed,” she said she will always love him.

“I love you very much and I’m very proud of you, the person you’ve become and the obstacles you’ve overcome. You’ve forever inspired me in my work and what I do. Without what you taught me, I wouldn’t be here,” Farrell said, addressing Wactor directly. “So thank you, Johnny. I love you. I miss you.”

Contributor: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Johnny Wactor: Cause of death of ‘General Hospital’ actor announced