Family and friends of the late actor Johnny Wactor have joined together to host “A Mile For Johnny.” The event will honor the General Hospital actor who was tragically killed last month.
Continue reading to see how those close to Johnny are honoring his life.
How Did Johnny Wactor Die?
Johnny Wactor died on May 25 due to a gunshot wound to the chest. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.
In the moments before his death, Johnny reportedly shielded his co-worker and friend, Anita Joy, from the gunshots. Moments later, he was dying in her arms as the assailants fled the scene.
Both Anita Joy and Johnny Wactor were tying up a shift at a bar in Los Angeles. They headed out to their cars and when they approached Johnny’s vehicle, they saw several people standing around it.
Initially, Johnny thought that his car was being towed. However, they had his car jacked up and were in the process of stealing the General Hospital star’s catalytic converter.
“We were no threat and Jonny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace,” Anita said.
Anita said that she heard a shot ring out. “As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted ‘Hunny you ok?!’ And he only responded ‘Nope! Shot!’” she said.
Eventually, she collapsed, attempting to hold Johnny up, and begging him to stay with her.
“It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay,” Anita wrote. “Everything happened in an instant.”
The three individuals involved in Johnny Wactor’s death fled the scene. No arrests in the GH actor’s death have been made at this time.
People Gather To Honor The Late GH Star
Johnny’s brother, Grant, has opened up about how he feels about the late actor’s passing. “It’s a lot,” he said. “It’s a numbing rage and sadness, but it is also hard to process and comprehend any of it.”
He continued, “You don’t want any life taken, but it just hurts, especially when it is your brother and someone you love and someone who was pure of heart.”
On Saturday, June 29, members of Johnny’s family, friends, and other supporters are hosting “A Mile For Johnny.” The event aims to call for justice for Johnny.
It is also focused on holding city and state leaders accountable for the crime rates in Los Angeles.
The event is open to the public and will take place at North Hollywood Park at 11 a.m. The park is somewhere that Johnny Wactor ran daily.