Lydia McLaughlin, who appeared on two seasons of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is heartbroken after her brother was fatally shot by police earlier this week.
“My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother,” the reality star, 44, told TMZ Friday.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”
McLaughlin’s reps did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
Newport Beach Police confirms to Page Six that their office pulled over Geoffrey Shyam Stirling Thursday at around 9:15 p.m. local time.
He had been riding his motorcycle on West Coast Highway between Superior Avenue and Hoag Hospital
We’re told Stirling was stopped for a “traffic violation,” at which point he allegedly became “uncooperative and assaulted the officer.”
“During the ensuing violent altercation, Stirling managed to remove the department-issued taser from the officer’s duty belt and attempted to deploy it multiple times against the officer,” a public information officer claims. “At that point, an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
We’re told Stirling was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was 45.
The California Department of Justice is conducting an independent investigation on the matter, and Newport Beach Police says “once their investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section for independent review.”
McLaughlin has yet to address the matter on social media, but shared a post in honor of Good Friday that reads, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Several friends and a fellow “Housewife” have flocked to the Instagram post to give their condolences.
Vicki Gunvalson commented, “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. ❤️😢.”
Stirling’s death comes just six months after McLaughlin lost her mother, Judy Stirling, who also made appearances on her Bravo series.
The former “RHOC” star wrote via Facebook in October 2024, “My mom passed away last night.
“We are heart broken but we know she’s dancing with Jesus. Fairdust, confetti bombs and crowns like heaven has never seen before. What’s in the cat is in the kitten and I promise to continue to make you proud @ocjudymom”
