Newport Beach Police Fatally Shoot Geoffrey Stirling, Brother of ‘RHOC’ Alum Lydia McLaughlin

Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, the brother of former “Real Housewives of Orange County” cast member Lydia McLaughlin, was fatally shot by Newport Beach police during a traffic stop Thursday night, authorities confirmed.

Stirling, 45, of Laguna Niguel, was riding a motorcycle along Pacific Coast Highway near Superior Avenue when officers initiated a stop around 9:15 p.m., according to Newport Beach police. Officials said Stirling became “uncooperative” during the encounter, prompting at least one officer to open fire. He was transported to Hoag Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No officers were injured in the incident.

The California Department of Justice and Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office have launched an independent investigation into the shooting, as required under state law for officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian. The findings will be reviewed by the DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section.

Court records show Stirling faced a pending felony arson charge related to a March 21 fire at a Laguna Niguel property management company. He was due in court for arraignment Monday.

“My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother. 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 said in a statement Friday.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing police activity late into the evening. The Newport Beach Police Department has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation. Body camera footage from the incident is expected to be released within 45 days under California law.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the California Department of Justice at (916) 210-2871.

Who is Geoff Stirling?

Geoffrey ‘Geoff’ Shyam Stirling was born to Geoffrey Scott Stirling of British and Scottish descent and Judith Olivia Young, of Italian and Ukrainian descent. His father was a businessman, CEO of the Newfoundland Broadcasting Company.

His sister, Lydia McLaughlin, appeared on Real Housewives of Orange County, which also featured their mother, Judy Stirling. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego and has worked as a model, actor, stuntman, personal trainer, karate instructor, and more. According to IMDB. Stirling ran a production company known as Shyam Bird Productions.