Benjamin Ashford|'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor’s cause of death revealed

A cause of death for Johnny Wactor,Benjamin Ashford the "General Hospital" actor who was shot and killed in Los Angeles over the weekend, has been revealed.

The 37-year-old actor died of a "gunshot wound to the chest," according to the official website of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Wactor was shot dead early Saturday morning during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the downtown area, per a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.

The actor, who played Brando Corbin on "General Hospital," was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.

In a statement to Variety on Sunday, Wactor's talent agent, David Shaul, called the actor a "spectacular human being" who was a "real moral example to everyone who knew him."

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"Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be," Shaul said. "Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."

Johnny Wactor was shot 'without provocation' as suspects stole his car's catalytic converter: LAPD

According to local TV station KTLA, LAPD said Wactor saw three individuals stealing the catalytic converter from his vehicle and that when he confronted them, they turned around and shot him.

Officers responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting in the 1200 block of Hope Street in Los Angeles around 3:25 a.m. local time. Upon arriving at the scene, LAPD "discovered the victim, identified as John William Wactor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound," the news release from police read.

The actor's mother, Scarlett, told ABC7 on Sunday that her son was leaving work at a downtown rooftop bar when the incident happened and that Wactor initially thought his car was being towed, so he approached the person to ask if that was the case. When the masked suspect looked up, however, the suspect opened fire at her son, she said.

LAPD officers added in their news release that Wactor's vehicle was raised up with a floor jack as the three individuals attempted to steal the catalytic converter. "Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals," LAPD said. "The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark colored sedan."

The suspects are still at large, police said. Central Bureau Homicide is investigating Wactor's case.

Johnny Wactor dies:'General Hospital' actor fatally shot at 37 during suspected theft attempt

Johnny Wactor's ex tells killer 'you shot the wrong guy' in emotional video

In an emotional video shared Monday on social media, Tessa Farrell, who identified herself as Wactor's former fiancée, remembered the actor as "such a bright soul" after he was shot and killed in downtown LA. She wore the ring they used when they were engaged while she spoke directly to the camera.

"He was really loved, and he loved all of you so much," Farrell said in the video, wiping away tears as she spoke. "He loved everyone so much. He was so selfless. He will forever be a huge part of my journey as a human being."

Farrell went on to directly address Wactor's killer, telling them, "You shot the wrong guy." She also called for "legislation to prevent this from happening," adding, "These criminals can't keep being on the street and they can't keep being sent back and have no repercussions for their actions."

'You shot the wrong guy':'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor's ex sends message to killer in emotional video

Farrell explained that she and Wactor fell in love after meeting in 2013 when they both moved to California to pursue acting. Although they "had to let each other go romantically" because they "were just better as friends" and their engagement was "rushed," she said she will always love him.

"I love you very much, and I'm very proud of you for the person that you've become and the obstacles you've overcame, and you've forever inspired me in my work and what I do, and I wouldn't be here without what you taught me," Farrell said, addressing Wactor directly. "So thank you, Johnny. I love you. I miss you."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY