In a tragic turn of events that has left fans and the Los Angeles community reeling, former “General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor was killed on Saturday, May 25. The actor, known for his role as Brando Corbin on the beloved ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022, lost his life while heroically attempting to stop a robbery.
According to multiple reports, the 37-year-old actor was finishing a bartending shift in Downtown Los Angeles when the incident occurred. Walking to his vehicle with a female coworker, they encountered three suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from his car. In a misunderstanding that turned fatal, Johnny initially thought his vehicle was being towed.
His brother Grant recounted the harrowing moment to Daily Mail, saying, “So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?’ When he realized the theft, he positioned his coworker behind him for protection. That’s when they shot him.” The suspects fled the scene, and despite being rushed to a local hospital, Wactor was pronounced dead shortly after.
A Community Comes Together: The GoFundMe Campaign
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, Johnny Wactor’s godmother, Michaelle Kinard, initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting the actor’s grieving family. With the family based in South Carolina, the funds are intended to cover the extensive travel expenses they will incur to manage his affairs, a journey of over 2,000 miles that they may need to undertake multiple times.
The fundraiser, which has a goal of $100,000, has already garnered immense support, raising over $38,000 to date. Endorsed by Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, the campaign statement shares, “I want to raise money for his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers, Lance and Grant, to be able to travel the distance to take care of this heartbreaking business which they have been sentenced to.”
Further emphasizing the unity and compassion of Johnny’s community, the campaign notes that any excess donations will be forwarded to charities selected by the family in memory of Johnny.
Remembering Johnny Wactor
Johnny Wactor’s untimely death is not just a loss to his family and friends but also to the legion of “General Hospital” fans who admired his talent and passion. His portrayal of Brando Corbin brought depth and intrigue to the series, making his departure from the show in 2022 all the more felt among viewers.
As the investigation into his death continues, the community and his fans hold onto the hope that justice will be served. Meanwhile, the outpouring of support through the GoFundMe campaign stands as a testament to the impact Johnny had on those around him and the collective desire to support his family during this profoundly difficult time.
