Lara Sophia 
See which RHOC alums have sent their condolences to Lauri Peterson and her family following the death of her son, Josh.
There may be plenty of drama on RHOC and bad blood between Housewives but when tragedy strikes, the family that makes up the RHOC-universe, past and present, comes together and rallies around their own.
Several RHOC stars – past and present – have come out to share their condolences with Lauri Peterson following the death of her son, Josh Waring, at the age of 35.
As AllAboutTRH previously reported, Lauri announced on Saturday that her son, Josh Waring, passed away on Easter after a long battle with drug addiction.
On Instagram, the RHOC OG shared the devastating news, writing:
“It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday. No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great. Josh’s childhood was filled with deep intellect, humor, pranks, athletics, snowboarding, body boarding, mountain hikes, reading, friends, and his love for music. Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humor, continued to be optimistic, continued to be kind to others, defended those that were unable to defend themselves, and continued to love his family so so much! He received the most joy, pride, and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years. Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth. Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life. I also thank those who have supported me through this journey and offering kind words of encouragement by sharing their stories of living with substance abuse disorder and the many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness. Josh, I love you so much, and I will miss you terribly! I will forever be your “Mama Bear & Mama Dukes,” and every time the clock turns to 11:11, I will expect your call to tell me to make a wish! What will I wish for now? My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel, and you have gained your freedom at last, sweet boy. Love always and forever, Mom ?????? Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring 12/20/88-3/31/24.”
Several of Lauri’s RHOC co-stars sent their condolences in the comments section of her Instagram post.
“Oh, Laurie, my heart breaks for you so much. I know how much you fought for him and always wanted nothing but the best for him. ?? May the Lord surround you with his angels and give you strength through this incredibly hard loss. I love you, friend,” Gretchen Rossi commented.
Fellow RHOC OG Jo de la Rosa wrote, “I am so incredibly sorry, Lauri ? Sending you all my love and praying for your heart. Here if you need anything.”
“My heart breaks for you; I know how hard you worked to be his advocate. Big hug and prayers for your family at this sad time,” RHOC OG Jeana Keough commented.
Peggy Tanous wrote, “I am so sorry for your loss, sweetie. Sending you love and prayers at this difficult time. Josh is in a beautiful place now, as hard as it is.”
Now, even more of Lauri’s RHOC and Bravo family have reached out to share love and support with her and her family amid their unthinkable loss.
Andy Cohen wrote, “Lauri I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking. You tried so hard to save him, and by sharing Josh’s story you would up educating people around the world about the tragedy of addiction for those who are touched by it. May Josh’s memory be a blessing to you always. Sending your family all my love.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss ?!! My prayers go out to y’all!!” Kelly Dodd shared.
Slade Smiley, who also lost a son, albeit to cancer, commented, “Laurie, I’m so so sorry for your loss. this type of pain is something I pray must people will never have to experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. The one thing that keeps me going is the thought that this is not good bye, but rather it’s just I’ll see you again soon. Try to stay in the light and know our loved ones are now free of their pain and earthly constraints. Sending love and light to you and the family.”
“Lauri, this is so heartbreaking. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. I can’t even begin to imagine this kind of loss. My heart aches for you and what you all went through all these years. You are a great mom. Sending you a big hug and all my love and prayers. ????????????,” RHOC alum Lizzie Rovsek wrote.
Current RHOC star Tamra Judge commented: “Lauri, I’m so sorry. My heart breaks for you. Thinking of you and your family. Sending you all so much love ?.”
Meanwhile, the OG of the OC, and the RHOC alum, who has known Lauri the longest, commented on her daughter Ashley Zarlin’s Instagram page to share her sympathy with the family.
Vicki Gunvalson wrote: “Oh Ashley. I’m so sorry. What a beautiful written message. Peace be with you and your family.”
Lauri Peterson is an original cast member of RHOC, which premiered on Bravo in 2006. She starred in the series for four seasons before leaving during season five to better help Josh deal with his addiction and legal troubles.
Josh battled with drug addiction for well over a decade and spent time in and out of jail. Over the years, Josh was arrested for drug possession and more serious charges, including shooting, hit-and-run, attempted murder, assault, battery, property damage, and more.
This news is incredibly sad, but hopefully, Josh is at peace now after enduring so many struggles and demons. As my mom always says, drugs don’t discriminate and can hit anyone at any time.
Sending love to Lauri and her family.
The Real Housewives of Orange County will return for season 18 in mid-to-late 2024.
