Lauri Peterson has been left with a "shattered heart" following the death of her son.
Lauri Paterson's son Josh has died at the age of 35
The 63-year-old reality star - who is best known for appearing on 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' - took to social media on Saturday (06.04.24) to reveal the tragic news that her son Josh Waring had died at the age of 35 six days earlier on Easter Sunday following a long battle with addiction.
She wrote on Instagram: "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, snow boarding, 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!"
The Bravo star thanked those who had helped her son - who earlier this year was arrested for allegedly punching a security guard at a hospital and prior to that had been sentenced to two years in prison over drugs charges - over the years and noted that his greatest achievement in life had been his daughter, who had given him "purpose" in his final years.
Lauri - who also has daughters Ashley and Sophie with her ex-husband Phillip Waring - added: "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."