‘RHOC’ Lydia McLaughlin Breaks Silence On Brother’s Shooting Death
Former RHOC star Lydia McLaughlin is breaking her silence on the shocking death of her brother, Geoffrey Shyam Stirling. He was allegedly shot on Thursday, April 17th, and subsequently passed away. So, what does she have to say about the tragic incident? Keep reading for further details.
Lydia McLaughlin Breaks Silence On Brother’s Death
Fans of the RHOC may remember Lydia McLaughlin from her run on the show. She first appeared on the hit Bravo reality series in Season 8 as a friend of Alexis Bellino’s. Her family was very into their faith, and she occasionally struggled with what the women were up to. Yet, she tried to make the most of it and her time there. She was also known for her very eclectic, glitter-throwing mother, Judy. Lydia then returned in Season 12 as a close confidante to Tamra Judge but stayed just one season again.
Unfortunately, in October 2024, her mother passed away, and that was a hard pill to swallow. As she is still mourning her mom, her brother, Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, was shot by the police during a routine traffic stop. He was on his motorcycle and allegedly did not cooperate with the police. Geoffrey was shot once. The Newport Beach PD issued this statement regarding his death:
“On April 17, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., a Newport Beach Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle on West Coast Highway between Superior Avenue and Hoag Hospital. The rider, identified as Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, a 45-year-old resident of Laguna Niguel, was stopped for a traffic violation. Shortly after being stopped, Stirling 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. At that point, an officer-involved shooting occurred.”
Obviously, the news of Geoffrey’s shooting rocked Lydia and her family. She has just issued her own statement regarding his tragic death and the family’s intense pain:
“My family has experienced an unimaginable loss. My brother, Geoff, was tragically taken and our hearts are shattered. 💔 I can’t believe we’re facing this pain just 6 months after losing my best friend and mother. I know they’re both with Jesus now, and He’s walking with me through this darkness. One step at a time. 🤍🕊️🪽Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us. 🙏🏼”
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The RHOC alum turned her comments off for this, as it is a very difficult time, navigating a course without Geoffrey. He was just forty-five at the time of his death, and after it initially happened, Lydia shared that she and her family were “devastated by the loss.” However, they were appreciative of all of the love and prayers they had received, but asked for privacy.
Co-Star Support
Lydia McLaughlin’s former RHOC co-star, Vicki Gunvalson, sent her condolences to the family via social media:
- 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 one-season wonder, Lizzie Rovsek, also expressed her sympathies to Lydia:
- Love you so much. Amen 🙏🏼 🩷
It is unclear if any of the other ladies privately reached out to send their love to Lydia and her family. She has been gone for some time, and not everyone appreciated her. However, this is not a time to let old anger resurface. Rather, she needs as much love and care as possible to get through this. Earlier this month, Lydia McLaughlin shared that she had been attending a grief support group. She was still dealing with her mother’s passing and needed some guidance. Hopefully, these wonderful people can continue to help guide her along the way.
Sending love and light to Lydia and her family at this heartwrenching moment. RHOC can be streamed on Peacock until it returns for Season 19.
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