Actor Shot In Attempt To De-Escalate Domestic Dispute

TV & Film

Aug 7

A beloved figure in the performing arts world in Richmond, Virginia, tragically lost his life this past weekend. Adam Turck, an actor who performed in various stage productions in the area, was shot this past Saturday while trying to de-escalate a domestic dispute. He was 35 years old. The news was first shared with the local Richmond Theatre community by Rachel Garmon-Williams, the founder and executive director of the local improv comedy company Bridge 9 Theater.

Turck was walking his dog on East Grace Street Saturday, August 2nd, when he saw the dispute between a woman and a 19-year-old man. He then stepped in to try to de-escalate the situation, but the man shot Turck in response before shooting himself. The situation caused several bystanders to call 911, and they arrived on the scene at approximately 10:17 am. Both Turck and the other man were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, while Turck’s dog was taken to Richmond Animal Care and Control before being placed in the care of a family member..

Adam, unfortunately, did not recover from his gunshot wounds. However, he was kept alive so that his organs could be donated to help save other lives. His family released a statement to the local CBS station WTVR.

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"Adam will be 35 years old when he passes in the next few days, after donating his organs to help save the lives of others. That’s what heroes do—they save the lives of others…Adam put his life on the line to protect someone in need, and we will forever remember him for this sacrifice. Although we cannot go into details on the events of this past Saturday due to the nature of the event, we were told that if Adam had not been there, the person he intervened to help would not be with us today."

Adam Turck grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, but he moved to Richmond, Virginia, after touring the country as part of Olney Theatre’s National Players. His work garnered him several Richmond Theatre Community Circle Awards nominations, and in 2018, he won the award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in Hand to God. The actor was last seen in Cadence Theatre’s production of Smoke and was preparing to perform the title role in Dracula: A Comedy of Horrors at Richmond Triangle Players in the fall. Turck was also a trainer at the gym ‘Tequila and Deadlifts’ on West Cary Street. He was active and well-known throughout the local performing arts scene, not only for his talent but also for his kindness, integrity, and compassion.

To those who knew him, he was their Superman, who happened to be Turck’s favorite character.

“He is the person that put us all back together,” Keirth Rae, owner of the gym‘Tequila and Deadlifts’, stated, “He would give you a hug and it puts you back together, he would tell you a story or an anecdote. He would ask you how you’re doing and actually mean it and want to know and truly care.”

Similar tributes have poured in over the last few days, including a Facebook post from local theatre group Virginia Rep.

A celebration of life was held this past Monday night at Firehouse Theater. It was organized by Nathaniel Shaw, the theater’s producing artistic director, who said this regarding the event on Monday.

“Tonight was really about, I have a space. It’s a theater that everybody in this community loves and knows, and it’s a space Adam performs in a lot. And we just needed to open the doors for people to have a moment to cry together, to have conversation, to learn a little bit more about what has happened,” Shaw stated.

Shaw learned of the incident while rehearsing at the theater with Turck’s roommate, who got the call to get to the hospital. Friends say that it is fitting for the actor to be an organ donor, as he will actually be able to save lives like his favorite character, Superman.

“That’s Adam, selfless, and he’s still going to go on and help more people,” said Kylee Márquez-Downie, a local actress who says Turck was like her big brother. “There’s a huge void in the Richmond theater community. Adam worked everywhere. He worked with everyone, and he did everything. He was there striking the scenes on stage, and he’s running lines with people. There’s never going to be another Adam Turck.”

“Nestled somewhere behind his piercing eyes, woven into the knotted fibers of his shoulders, he emitted power. He devoured attention effortlessly.” Christian Detres, theatre critic for RVA Magazine, said in an article about the late actor. “He had me riveted in any character he portrayed and quickly became one of my favorite actors…He made me fall in love with Richmond’s potential again. Thank you, Adam.”

Adam Turck is survived by his parents, Peter and Terry Ann, his older brothers, Pete and David, and his beloved dog, Lana. No funeral arrangements have been made as of this writing. Turck leaves behind a beloved legacy in the local theatre scene, and he will be missed by many. Rest in power, Super Adam.

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