An actor has been fatally shot after trying to intervene in a domestic dispute.
Adam Turck, who was a beloved figure in the Virginia acting community, has died at the age of 35.
Turck was shot on Saturday (August 2) outside an apartment building in Richmond. He had been walking his dog when he spotted a woman arguing with her boyfriend.
Turck tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation between the rowing couple when a 19-year-old man involved in the argument pulled out a gun and shot Turck. The teenager then turned the gun on himself.
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Turck's family have released a heartbreaking statement in the wake of the budding actor's untimely death.
"Adam put his life on the line to protect someone in need, and we will forever remember him for this sacrifice," they told WTVR, adding: "Although we cannot go into details on the events of this past Saturday due to the nature of the event, we were told that if Adam had not been there, the person he intervened to help would not be with us today."
Elsewhere Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards has described Turck's death as 'a tragic story of gun violence against a person who was simply trying to de-escalate a disturbing argument', as per The Independent.
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"This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must, as a community, continue to combat gun violence in our society," Edwards added.
Virginia Repertory Theatre has paid tribute to Turck as well and branded him as 'a gifted actor, passionate activist, and beloved member of our community'.
"Adam was a light, both on stage and in every space he entered. His artistry, integrity, and fierce compassion touched so many of us. This is a profound loss we share as a community," the tear-jerking post continued as the theatre sent its condolences to the late actor's family.
Those who have seen Turck on stage wasted no time in gushing about the late 35-year-old's acting abilities.
Replying to the theatre's post somebody said: "SOO SAD!!! I saw him in Dial M for Murder- He was awesome and appears to have been an awesome person too!!!"
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A second said: "What a wonderful young man and such a talented and funny actor! So sad something how like this had to happen - why? Such a senseless loss of life!"
"I was so devastated to hear this news," a different person penned.
They went on: "Adam was an amazing actor when I saw him in any performance. Although I never had the pleasure of working with him, he seemed like such a fun loving person who gave 100 percent in any performance. What a tragic loss for the theatre community. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected]
Niamh Shackleton