Actor Vanessa Marquez, who appeared on the hit TV medical drama ER, was fatally shot by police officers in Southern California after she reportedly pointed a replica handgun at them. The 49-year-old died at a hospital.
According to Variety, officers were called to Marquez’s home to check on her welfare. She was suffering from seizures and appeared to be unable to take care of herself. Paramedics and a mental health clinician were called for.
According to Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Mendoza, after about 90 minutes, Marquez, who appeared to be “gravely disturbed”, armed herself with a BB gun and pointed it at the officers, causing them to open fire.
Last October, Marquez alleged that she was blacklisted from ER on racial grounds by George Clooney, who denied the allegations. The actor had also appeared in the 1998 film Stand and Deliver.
(Source: Variety)