The Richmond arts community is grieving the loss of 35-year-old stage actor Adam Turck, who passed away following a tragic incident on August 2, 2025. According to police, Turck was walking his dog when he encountered a confrontation between two people outside an apartment building. Witnesses say he stepped in to help, but the situation escalated, and both Turck and another individual suffered critical injuries. Authorities later confirmed Turck’s passing, with his family sharing that he would donate his organs to save others.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Turck had made Richmond his home for over a decade, earning multiple theater award nominations and winning Best Actor in 2018 for his role in Hand to God. His recent work included performances with Cadence Theatre and preparations for the lead role in Dracula: A Comedy of Horrors. Friends, colleagues, and local theaters remembered him as a gifted performer, a dedicated community member, and a person whose kindness and compassion touched everyone he met.
Outside of acting, Turck was a beloved trainer at Tequila and Deadlifts gym, where he was known for his positivity and dedication. Friends described him as someone with “a moral compass made of steel,” always ready to step in and help others. “He was the kind of person people write about in books,” said gym owner Kerith Rae, noting that his loss leaves a deep void in both the theater and fitness communities.
A GoFundMe has been created by family and friends to support Turck’s close companion, Chelsea Burke, and to honor his memory. Organizers shared that remaining funds will go toward causes he supported. As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew Turck say his legacy will be defined by courage, generosity, and the countless lives he touched—both on and off the stage.