YouTube | ScreenSlam

Mariska Hargitay Is "Heartbroken" After 'Law & Order: SVU' Co-Worker Dies Of Coronavirus

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on throughout North America, it is literally and figuratively hitting a lot closer to home for many of us.

Law & Order: SVU star, Mariska Hargitay, shared a message on social media after her co-worker died of the virus.

Information about the coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing and Diply is committed to providing the most recent data as it becomes available. Some of the information in this story may have changed since publication, and we encourage readers to use online resources from CDC and WHO to stay up to date on the latest information surrounding COVID-19.

Not that you need to be reminded, but we are living in the midst of a global pandemic.

Whether you've caught the virus or not, it has been affecting all of us.

Gyms, bars, restaurants, and shopping centers are shutting down, and sporting leagues are suspending their seasons.

Travel bans are being implemented, and festivals and concerts are being postponed.

Everyone is being asked to stay home and practice social distancing until further notice.

Quarantining yourself isn't easy, but if it helps flatten the curve, then it's worth it — no matter how bored you might be.

As of the time of this publication, there have been nearly 600,000 global confirmed coronavirus patients, 130,000 of whom have now recovered. .

Unfortunately, however, over 26,000 of those cases have resulted in death.

It's definitely starting to hit a lot closer to home as the death toll rapidly climbs.

As of today, there have been over 96,000 confirmed cases in the US — and that is not including the people who have it and haven't been able to be tested.

While it is far more dangerous for those with compromised immune systems and the elderly, the virus does not discriminate. Anyone can get it.

Numerous celebrities and public figures have tested positive for the virus, including Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Kevin Durant, Harvey Weinstein, Boris Johnson, and Prince Charles.

And one Law & Order: SVU member.

It was announced earlier this week that a crew member of *Law & Order: SVU*, Josh Wallwork, passed away from the virus.

Twitter | @Mariska

Subsequently, the star of the series, Mariska Hargitay, made a statement mourning the loss of her friend via social media.

Mariska Hargitay, who knew him well, tweeted: "You are loved by so many. As we always used to say, ‘Until next time, my love.'"

She recalled Josh as being quick-witted and always smiling.

“I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face," she wrote.

"He brought love and kindness everywhere he went," she added.

"Always ready with the joke".

“The SVU Corredor [sic] will never be the same. We will miss you Josh. #ForeverInOurHearts," she concluded.

The news was initially announced by showrunner, Warren Leight, who tweeted:

YouTube | Chris Zimmer

"Very sad news today. One of our costumers, and a beautiful man, Josh Wallwork, passed away from complications of Covid-19."

"Cast and crew send love and prayers to his family and friends. We are heartbroken," he wrote.

YouTube | Chris Zimmer

Warren also re-posted another statement about Josh's death.

"It is with permission of The Wallwork Family, and a heavy heart supported by loved ones, that I announce the passing of Josh Wallwork from complications of Covid 19," it says.

“He peacefully transitioned at the tender age of 45, today."

As you can see, this pandemic is not something to be taken lightly. Practice social distancing, stay home, and wash your hands.

Instagram | @therealmariskahargitay

Celebrities have been pleading with their followers to stay home and protect those who have a lesser chance of recovering from the virus.

We really need to listen to their words!

Including Danny DeVito, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Hilary Duff, and others.

Stay safe everyone!