Son of Newfoundland Broadcasting Executive Shot by Police in California

Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, 45, was shot and killed by police in Newport, Calif., on April 17, 2025. Courtesy of NTV

The son of a Newfoundland and Labrador broadcasting CEO has been fatally shot during a confrontation with Newport Beach Police in California.

Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, the son of NTV CEO Scott Stirling, was pulled over by police for a “traffic violation” while riding a motorcycle on the evening of April 17, police said in a press release.

Police said the 45-year-old then 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. “At that point, an officer involved shooting occurred.”

Additional officers arrived on scene and administered medical assistance to Geoffrey Stirling. He was subsequently transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently conducting an independent investigation into the incident, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a press release. The findings will be submitted to the DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section for independent review.

Scott Stirling is the president and CEO of the broadcasting company that owns and operates NTV in St. John’s, N.L. He described his son in a statement as a television producer, script writer, actor, and model who “attended church every Sunday and supported multiple charities.”

Geoffrey Stirling’s sister, Real Housewives actress Lydia McLaughlin, took to social media to mourn her brother’s death.

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

“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.”

NTV general manager Lindsey Andrews said the staff at the broadcasting network is “heartbroken” by the news of Stirling’s death.

“Our prayers are with the Stirling family at this time,” Andrews said in a statement.

NTV is an independent television station that began broadcasting in 1955 as CJON. It was founded by Geoff Stirling, the late father of Scott Stirling, and was the first television station in the province, according to Memorial University’s Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage website.

The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company also owns and operates the radio station OZFM.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.