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Credit: Instagram
Andy Cohen and past and present members of The Real Housewives of Orange County cast are rallying around Lauri Peterson on the heels of the tragic death of her son, Josh Waring.
After Lauri, 63, confirmed the devastating news with her fans and followers on Instagram and her daughter, Ashley Zarlin, recalled her past efforts to save him from addiction, the former reality star was met with love and support from Andy, 55, Tamra Judge, 56, Kelly Dodd, 48, Vicki Gunvalson, 62, Gretchen Rossi, 45, and more.
“Lauri I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking. You tried so hard to save him, and by sharing Josh’s story you [wound] 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,” Andy wrote in a comment to Lauri’s April 6 post.
“I’m so sorry for your loss!! My prayers go out to y’all!!” added Kelly.
“Lauri, I’m so sorry. My heart breaks for you,” Tamra said. “Thinking of you and your family. Sending you all so much love.”
“I love you so much, mom,” added Lauri’s daughter.
Heather McDonald, 53, weighed in as well, reminding Lauri that Josh “was so lucky to have a mom who never gave up. RIP.”
On her own Instagram page, Ashley shared a lengthy post about her brother, giving a nod to his years-long battle with addiction as she applauded her mother’s unconditional love.
“On Easter Sunday, I lost my brother to the relentless grip of addiction. It’s a disease that distorts and destroys, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken hearts,” she began. “He was brilliant and had limitless potential, but addiction veered him off course. My heart aches for the lost opportunities for us to grow together as adults, to share laughter and dreams, the conversations that we will never get to have, and the dreams that will be left unfulfilled. My thoughts linger on the what-ifs, the alternate paths he could have taken if only the system had offered more than empty promises and closed doors.”
“My mom’s unwavering love and tireless efforts to support him will forever be etched in my heart. She fought alongside him, never wavering in her belief that he could overcome this demon,” she continued. “I wish for a different outcome with every fiber of my being. I wish I could have done more, been more, to help him find his way back to the light. As I grieve his loss, I cherish the memories of who he truly was, before addiction stole him away. My little brother.”
In closing, Ashley told Josh, “I hope that you’ve finally found the peace you’ve been looking for. You’re no longer in pain, you can rest. I love you.”
In the comments section of Ashley’s post, she, too, was met with support from Bravolebrities and others.
“Oh Ashley. I’m so sorry. What a beautiful written message. Peace be with you and your family,” wrote Vicki.
“I love you Ashley! Thank you for your beautiful words!” Lauri replied.
Dina Manzo, 52, formerly of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, told Ashley, “My heart aches for you and mom. Such a profound loss…my deepest prayers for peace and understanding so you may heal the part of your soul that went with him. Love you.”
“I’m just so sorry to hear this news Ash,” added Gretchen. “You all were such a great support to him for so many years. I am sending you all much love and healing prayers during this painful time. Love you friend.”
Lauri Peterson and her family were featured on The Real Housewives of Orange County from season one through season four.