Johnny Wactor’s ‘General Hospital’ Costars Honor Him After His Death

“I just cannot believe that his life was stolen from him the way it was,” Kirsten Storms wrote on social media after the actor was shot and killed in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 25

The General Hospital family is paying tribute to the late Johnny Wactor following his sudden and tragic death.

Wactor was shot and killed in Los Angeles on May 25 after seeing three men try to steal a catalytic converter from his car, his mother Scarlett Wactor confirmed to TMZ.

Following the tragic news, General Hospital, the long-running soap on which he starred for two years, described the 37-year-old as “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day” in a tribute on Instagram.

“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Johnny Wactor’s untimely passing,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

In the comments, Sofia Mattsson, who played his onscreen wife, described Wactor as “one of the most incredible humans I’ve ever met ❤️” In her own post, she added, “Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy.”

“We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen, and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart,” Mattsson continued. “You will be so incredibly missed Johnny… I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there ❤️.”

In a comment on Mattsson’s post, Briana Lane wrote of her former costar, “He was the kindest and a gentleman to everyone he met 🤍,” while James Patrick Stuart commented, “I feel so deeply for you, Sophia. Lovely man and your connection was so real. Heart broken.”

Kelly Thiebaud also commented on the post, writing, “💔 💔 💔 💔 💔 ,” and in a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said it “still doesn’t seem real” that Wactor has died, adding, “It’s just so unbelievably devastating.”

Another of Wactor’s former General Hospital costars Kirsten Storms shared that she is “in a state of disbelief and complete sadness” at the news of his death.

“I don’t typically do posts like this, but Johnny was such a special person and it feels important (for me) to put these words out there,” she began her tribute on Instagram. “To @johnnywactor ‘s mother and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny was one of those rare ‘real individuals’ that you almost never come across. I was fortunate enough to have some really good conversations with him where we discussed things I don’t typically open up about. For some reason, we talked about the deep stuff. He was a safe space for those conversations and, in turn, he would talk about his life. He genuinely cared about people and their journeys in life.”

Storms, 40, continued, “During his time on GH I witnessed him work hard and truly have respect for every single person in our building. I just cannot believe that his life was stolen from him the way it was. My heart hurts. RIP Johnny.”

Laura Wright called the news “heartbreaking” as she wrote in a post on X, “What an incredible man. Deep love and prayers to Johnny’s family 🙏🏻.”

Ashton Arbab, who played Dev Cerci on General Hospital, also shared a heartfelt tribute in honor of his “TV dad” on Instagram.

“absolutely heartbroken while typing this. Johnny Wactor was not only my tv dad for more than 25 episodes on General Hospital but he was a great human, a kind soul, a inspiration on and off set and a one of a kind actor,” he wrote. “His talents always surprised me and allowed me to learn so much from the craft just by watching his work. I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend and work with him.”

“Feels like yesterday you were giving me a big hug and talking to me about life. May your soul rest in peace Johnny. Heaven has gained an Angel🕊️❤️” he added.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Wactor’s manager, Marco Cuadros, called the actor’s death an “unfortunate and senseless tragedy.”

“Johnny Wactor was such a kind soul, a talented actor and an inspiration to those around him. His professionalism, his enthusiasm and love for his craft was infectious and made him such a joy to work with. He pursued his dreams and achieved them, all the while remaining a good human being caring for others. I am proud to say I was Johnny’s manager and friend. He will always be cherished in my memory.”

David Shaul, his agent, shared a similar sentiment about the late actor, calling him a “spectacular human being” and a “real moral example to everyone who knew him.”

“Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back,” Shaul told PEOPLE in a statement. “After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”

Wactor’s mother called him a “beautiful soul” in a statement to ABC News.

“There are not enough words to tell what a beautiful soul he was. He was a kind loving son and brother, he lived life to the fullest. He set goals and went after them,” Scarlett said. “There is a very large hole on our hearts and lives.”

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A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of the late actor’s family to help them with “this unexpected transition of life.”