THE older brother of Real Housewives star Lydia McLaughlin has been shot dead by police during a traffic stop.
Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, 45, was killed in California after cops reportedly pulled him over on the highway.
Lydia, a former Real Housewives Of Orange County star, has since revealed her family’s “devastation” over Geoffrey’s shock death on Thursday night.
He was riding a motorcycle along the Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach when he was stopped late on Thursday night.
He was “uncooperative” with police during the altercation before being fatally wounded by one of the officers, according to TMZ.
Geoffrey was taken to a nearby hospital where he died shortly after arriving, the US outlet added.
Police confirmed that no officers were injured.
According to an official release by the California Attorney General’s Office, the California Department of Justice is now investigating the shooting.
Lydia, 44, spoke out on her older brother’s passing on Friday.
She issued a statement to TMZ which said: “My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community.
“We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”
Then, on Instagram a few hours later, Lydia shared a quote which read: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Alongside the words, she penned the caption: “Because of the pain of Good Friday, we have the JOY of Easter Sunday.”
The post was quickly flooded with supportive comments from her fans and friends.
One person wrote: “Lydia – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother! My heart hurts for you and your family. Peace be with you.”
Another added: “Oh Lydia, I love you so much. Sending prayers.”
A third then said: “Lydia, I am so incredibly heartbroken to hear about your brother. Lifting you and your family up in prayer.”
Geoffrey was born in San Diego and grew up wanting to be in the spotlight like his sibling.
At the age of 16, he was scouted by a modeling agency, according to his IMDB page.
He also had acting roles in TV projects such as the miniseries 30 Days Of Night: Blood Trails (2007) and Vanquisher (2011).
After his career on the silver screen finished he went on to have jobs as a personal trainer, karate instructor, television producer, baker and stuntman.
Lydia is most well known for having joined The Real Housewives of Orange County during its eighth season.
She only starred for one season before deciding to not return in any future episodes.
The mom of three said she wanted to focus on “building her brand away from ‘the Housewives’ name” when she stepped away.
Since her departure, Lydia has published a book inspired by scripture and faith in Jesus Christ titled Beyond Orange County.
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via
