Johnny Wactor, 37, tragically lost his life in Los Angeles on Saturday while protecting a coworker from thieves. The General Hospital actor was shot after confronting three masked men attempting to steal a catalytic converter.

Wactor’s brother, Grant, called him a devoted son and brother, saying, “We’re Southern, and we’d never let a woman walk to her car alone.” His bravery and selflessness have been hailed as heroic.

Tributes from General Hospital castmates flooded social media. William deVry called the loss “senseless,” while Parry Shen described Wactor as having a “beautiful soul.” Sofia Mattsson, who played his wife on the show, said, “Johnny was the best ever—honest, humble, and hardworking.”

The LAPD is actively investigating the case. Wactor leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and love.