logo

'ER' star shot and killed by police

Cheryl Kahla
By Cheryl Kahla
Aug 31, 2018
04:34 P.M.

Actress Vanessa Marquez was most famously known for her role as Nurse Wendy on the medical drama show, "ER."

Advertisement

On Thursday afternoon, Marquez was shot and killed outside her apartment when officers who were attending to a "welfare call" shot her in the torso.

Marquez was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Read more on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa.

She was believed to suffer from seizures brought on by a mental health condition, and her landlord called authorities out of concern for her wellbeing.

Advertisement

As reported by TMZ, the officers said she became "combative" and waved around what they thought was an automatic handgun.

It was later revealed to be a toy BB gun, and that she was experiencing a seizure at the time when they shot and killed her.

The news quickly made headlines, with reporter Ruby Gonzales sharing photos from the scene of the crime at her home in Pasadena.

Advertisement

Terence Towles Canote, who said on Twitter that he was a close friend of Marquez, said he had been crying for most of the night when he heard the news. He explained:

"My dear friend Vanessa Marquez was shot and killed by the South Pasadena Police yesterday. She played Nurse Wendy on Er. She was the kindest, gentlest person I know."

Writer Matt Oswald said he was devastated by the news too because he "knew she suffered severe health issues that affected her personality."

Advertisement

However, he never imagined it would end like this and told his followers that they were both TCM fans who would discuss classic movies for hours at a time.

Marquez's career spanned three decades, and she landed her first role as Ana Delgado in "Stand and Deliver" back in 1988.

Advertisement

Six years later, she was cast as Nurse Wendy Goldman in 27 episodes of "ER" and gave life to the character for three years.

Marquez claimed back in 2017 that she blacklisted by the show and co-star George Clooney when spoke out about racial discrimination and sexual harassment.

She also had a minor role in "Malcolm & Eddie" and her last film credit was for a short titled "The Problem With Evolution."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

21-Year-Old TikTok Star 'DreamDoll Brii' Fatally Shot in Targeted Drive-By in Miramar — Neighbors Describe the Moment

July 08, 2026

Beloved Soap Star Passed Away After 50-Year Career – Fans Share Emotional Tributes

May 13, 2026

Coral Springs Vice Mayor's Husband Detained for Taking Her Life, Gives a Chilling Reason for What He Did

April 06, 2026

Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch,' Dead at 35 — What Her Boyfriend Revealed About Her Final Days

June 17, 2026

Louisiana Family Tragedy Leaves One Child as Sole Survivor After a Daring Escape

April 21, 2026

Recent Graduate's Life Ends in Devastating Turn — Suspect Taken Into Custody Months Later

May 15, 2026

18-Year-Old's Final Hours After Prom Night Reveal Heartbreaking Details

April 24, 2026

Ex-Government Official Charged after His Girlfriend's Passing – What We Know

March 31, 2026

What Really Happened to Anna Kepner on That Cruise Ship? Federal Indictment Outlines Harrowing Allegations Against Stepbrother

April 15, 2026

Father and Son Travel Together Before Heartbreaking Airport Incident Shocks Nevada Community

April 23, 2026

New Jersey Woman's Chilling 911 Call Reveals Shocking Family Crisis

May 01, 2026