Wilson Cruz Speaks Out About Relative Shot During Orlando Attack

Actor and activist Wilson Cruz has revealed that he's one of the many people who lost a loved one in the Orlando shooting.

The actor's step aunt, Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, was one of the 49 people who died at the Pulse nightclub tragedy on June 12.

McCool was a mother of 11 and survived cancer twice. She died protecting her 21-year old son, Isaiah, according to reports.

RELATED | Say Their Names: Photos & Bios of the 49 Victims of the Orlando Shooting

Cruz shared the devastating news in a Facebook post. The actor included a picture of himself with McCool (above), who was his mother's stepsister, according toET. He wrote,

"This was the last time I saw Brenda McCool. She was with us when our grandfather passed this passed fall. She was a fighter. A cancer survivor. A stellar mother. A proud and fierce advocate for her LGBT family. 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 fucking GO! Our hearts are BROKEN! #Pulse #orlando"

Cruz also gave an emotional speech remembering McCool during the Logo Trailblazer Honors. Dressed in a gray John Varvatos suit, the actor spoke highly of the woman he grew to love and respect. Watch his speech here:

Wilson Cruz will next appear on ABC's Mistresses in a recurring role, and is the executive producer of the upcoming documentary Out of the Box: How America Came Out on TV.

Photo: Getty/Courtesy of Logo