Tragedy struck Richmond, Virginia, as beloved local stage actor Adam Turck, 35, was fatally shot while walking his dog on Saturday morning—after bravely stepping in to help a woman caught in a violent argument with her boyfriend.

According to police, Turck witnessed the dispute outside an apartment building in Church Hill and attempted to de-escalate the confrontation. In a devastating turn, the 19-year-old man pulled a handgun from his backpack and shot Turck before turning the weapon on himself. Both were found critically wounded; Turck succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His final act: organ donation.

“If Adam hadn’t been there, that woman would not be alive today,” his family shared in a statement. “That’s what heroes do — they save others.”

Turck, known for his dynamic roles at Virginia Repertory Theatre and his 2018 Best Actor award, was described by friends as loyal, compassionate, and morally grounded. He had recently been cast in “Dracula: A Comedy of Horrors.”