‘Unimaginable loss:’ son of NTV executive killed in California police shooting

Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, 45, was shot and killed by police in Newport, Calif., on April 17, according to a statement from Newport Beach Police. (NTV)

The family of a Newfoundland Broadcasting Company executive is mourning the ‘unimaginable loss’ of 45-year-old Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, after he was shot and killed during an altercation with police in Newport Beach, Calif.

The son of NTV CEO Scott Stirling was stopped by Newport Beach Police “for a traffic violation” while riding a motorcycle on April 17. Police say 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,” police said in a press release. “At that point, an officer-involved shooting occurred.”

According to police, Stirling was treated at the scene and transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The California Department of Justice is conducting an independent investigation, as required by state law.

Lindsey Andrews, general manager of the Newfoundland Broadcasting Company, said in a statement that the company and its founding family are grieving the death of Geoffrey Stirling.

“He was a very positive individual, always willing to learn new things and wanting to contribute to the success of the company,” Andrews says.

Scott Stirling, Geoffrey’s father, said in a statement that he was “a loving son, brother, uncle and friend, who attended church every Sunday and supported multiple charities.”

His sister and Real Housewives actress Lydia McLaughlin also issued a statement.

“My family has experienced an unimaginable loss,” she said in a social media post. “My brother, Geoff, was tragically taken and our hearts are shattered.”

With files from The Canadian Press