Actor Johnny Wactor’s Co-Worker Breaks Silence After He Was Fatally Shot While Shielding Her During Robbery: ‘
Actor Johnny Wactor’s Co-Worker Breaks Silence After He Was Fatally Shot While Shielding Her During Robbery
Update (May 30, 2024): The woman who was with General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor when he was killed has spoken out for the first time.
Anita Joy shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Wednesday (May 29), reflecting on the life-altering moment.
She posted photos of Johnny Wactor on her profile and began the caption by sharing details of his final moments.
“I’ve needed to take some time to collect myself and my thoughts. I was with Johnny in his last moments and I’m here to be his voice after such unimaginable events. His story is in this post as it happened, please swipe through the top photos and read it. Early Saturday morning (May 25) after our bartending shift Friday night at Level 8 in DTLA.”
Inside the post, she shared that the two were “walking to our cars” one minute, and the next he was “dying in my arms in the streets of DTLA in the dark hours of 3am.”
She referenced reports that the shooters were trying to
“steal a car part and al they took was my friend’s life. Everything happened in an instant.”
She recalled,
“We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave.”
She said he had his “hands open to his sides in peace,” and was standing between her and “the man who shot him.”
“As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed him, I shouted “Hunny you ok?!” And he only responded “Nope! Shot!” We toppled into the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me.”
A security guard from the bar where they worked was nearby and ran over to them with police on the phone. They tied Anita Joy’s jacket around Johnny Wactor in an effort to stop the bleeding, and someone also gave him CPR. However, their efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful.
Anita Joy shared,
“It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay.”
In the caption, she praised Johnny Wactor for his,
“incredible ability that was truly just his genuine nature – to make anyone and everyone feel so special in his eyes.”
She continued,
“My heart is shattered with his loss but I believe l have gained the best guardian Angel out there. I love you Johnny Wacky.”
She concluded by calling out the shooters, insisting that they “need to be caught.” She also said the venue “needs to provide parking for their late hour staff as they originally promised,” and asked supporters to donate to his family’s GoFundMe.
See her full message here.
Original Story (May 27, 2024): In a heartbreaking incident, General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, 37, was fatally shot while protecting his co-worker from armed robbers who were allegedly trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle.
The tragedy unfolded early Saturday morning, May 25, in downtown Los Angeles, as Johnny Wactor and his co-worker were heading to their cars after finishing a bartending shift at a rooftop bar.
According to reports, Johnny Wactor and his colleague noticed two men near their vehicles. Believing they were tow truck operators, Wactor approached them to clarify the situation. In a sudden turn of events, one of the men drew a gun. In an act of bravery, Wactor shielded his co-worker, taking the fatal bullet.
Emergency responders rushed Wactor to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspects, who were wearing masks, fled the scene and have not been found. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Wactor, known for his portrayal of Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022, was fondly remembered by his family and co-stars for his courageousness.
His younger brother, Grant Wactor, expressed pride in Johnny’s final act of heroism, stating to The Daily Mail,
“We were raised as Southern gentlemen, always putting others first. Johnny died protecting someone else.”
Co-stars from General Hospital have shared their grief and tributes on social media.
Parry Shen wrote,
“Johnny Wactor was a beautiful soul. So talented and always up for anything. We all were cheated of many years with him.”
Jon Lindstrom added,
“I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with the world. I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know that’s impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane. For a long time to come. R.I.P.”
The LAPD is investigating and urges anyone with information to come forward. The family seeks justice, highlighting the need to address violent crimes.
Rest in peace, Johnny Wactor. Share your thoughts in the comments below!