Wilson Cruz Mourns Family Member Killed in Orlando Shooting

Wilson Cruz, best known for his groundbreaking role on the cult-favorite series My So-Called Life, is mourning the death of a family member in the tragic Orlando shooting.

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, the step-sister of Wilson‘s mother, was shot and killed at Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning (June 12) in Orlando, Fla.

“She was a fighter. A cancer survivor. A stellar mother. A proud and fierce advocate for her LGBT family,” Wilson wrote on Facebook. “She spoke passionately about how much she loved her children. She was hilarious and loving and tore up the dance floor when salsa or anything was playing. I can’t believe she’s gone. I mourn with her kids and my entire family. The violence and hate has to end. The guns have to f–king GO! Our hearts are BROKEN!”

Brenda, a single mother of 11 children, was at the club that night with her son when the shooter started firing on the crowd. She was shot in the back and told her son to keep running and to leave her there. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Brenda‘s funeral and to assist in the care of the children she leaves behind.

Our hearts go out to Wilson, his family, and everyone else affected by the shooting in Orlando.