New details about the troubling moments leading up to the death of Geoff Stirling, the brother of Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin, have surfaced.
On Saturday, April 19, the Newport Beach Police Department offered an update about the officer-involved shooting that led to the 45-year-old’s untimely death. In a press release shared on Facebook, Chief of Police Dave Milner explained that officers stopped Stirling at approximately 9:15 pm on Thursday, April 17.
“Shortly after being stopped, Stirling became uncooperative and assaulted the officer,” the press release explained. “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. At that point, an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
Multiple officers “responded to the scene and rendered medical aid to Stirling,” the release also explained. The investigation into Stirling’s detainment and death is still active, the department also noted.
McLaughlin confirmed her brother’s death in a statement to TMZ on Saturday. “My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother,” she said. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”
The statement followed a cryptic post McLaughlin shared via Instagram the night before, featuring the words: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
She then captioned the post, “Because of the pain of Good Friday, we have the JOY of Easter Sunday. 🕊️ #JesusIsLord”
Her brother’s death comes just over six months after McLaughlin’s mother, Judy Stirling, died from breast cancer on October 8, 2024. Judy battled the disease for several years. “I am thankful for the outpouring of love and support,” McLaughlin wrote via Instagram at the time. “I am grateful to not grieve alone. I am honored to be her daughter and will forever carry her in my spirit. ✨”
The reality star has continued to be open about her grieving process since losing her mom. “I have gone to a beautiful group called Grief Share which has helped me in my healing and processing my grief. It’s a nationwide group if anyone needs support, I recommend them. ❤️🩹,” McLaughlin via an Instagram tribute on April 8 that commemorated six months since her mother passed away.
“Grief can make you better or bitter. I am putting in my whole heart to turn my sorrow into thanksgiving, for having the privilege to have such a beautiful mom,” she added. “She will always be my hero, and my favorite. 👑.”
