BREAKING: Star of “General Hospital, was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles.

26 May (UPI) — The family of American actor Johnny Wactor announced his passing on Sunday. According to Los Angeles authorities, someone was shot and killed early on Saturday while trying to stop thieves from taking a car’s catalytic converter.

A man was shot in the vicinity of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street at approximately 3:25 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, when he tried to stop three men from stealing a catalytic converter from a parked car.

The victim was shot by one of the robbers, according to the LAPD, who did not release his identity. The victim was declared dead at the hospital.

The 37-year-old Johnny Wactor, who was the deceased’s mother, was verified by Scarlett Wactor to NBC4.

She said, “I just don’t understand what a senseless coward act by that person,” to the local TV station.

There are currently no arrests made.

Despite having around 50 film and television credits listed on IMDB, Wactor is most recognized for his role as General Hospital’s Brandon Corbin, which aired from 2020 to 2022.

“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to learn of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing,” a statement from the soap opera shown late on Sunday night said on X. “He was genuinely unique and a delight to work with every single day. His loved ones are in our prayers and thoughts at this trying time.”

The General Hospital star Jon Lindstrom stated on X that he felt “sick to his stomach” after learning of Wactor’s passing. He has been with the show since 1983.

“Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble and always thought about other people,” Lindstrom stated in a statement.

“A young man with skill who merely desired to spread that talent around the world. I know it’s not possible, but I wish I had enough love to fill the void his loved ones must be feeling right now.”

Theft of catalytic converters is on the rise in the US between 2020 and 2022 due to their precious metal content, which makes them a desirable target for thieves. The Justice Department claims that a catalytic converter can bring in above $1,000 on the underground market, based on the make and model of the car it was taken from.