Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi has revealed that her stepson, Grayson, has died following a battle with brain cancer, aged 22.
Gretchen, who was featured on the Bravo show from season four to season eight, is most known for her time on the show opposite the likes of Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Alexis Bellino and Heather Dubrow.
The 44 reality TV star made the announcement on her Instagram page on Wednesday revealing to her 978k followers that Grayson had died on Sunday, February 5, after a fight with cancer that began in 2006.
Alongside a lengthy tribute, Gretchen shared lots of photos of Grayson and his father, child actor Slade Smiley, whom Gretchen has been with since 2009 following her divorce from Chris Rossi.
The pictures showed Grayson throughout his life, with one snap being taken beside a Christmas tree and another featuring the whole family with huge smiles.
In the caption, Gretchen penned: “Our rational minds told us this day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that this day would not come to fruition.
“We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.”
Gretchen continued to dub her step son an “incredible warrior” who fought everyday through pain and discomfort to “find you in the smallest of things."
“He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances,” she added. “He was a true beacon of light and hope.”
She continued: “Although his life was cut short on earth he made an incredible impact on so many people. The Lord knew his life had purpose and would touch many along the way.
“We are forever grateful for the many lessons learned from this little man, and will miss his beautiful spirit immensely.”
She concluded the message with prayer and love from both herself, Slade and Grayson’s baby sister, Skylar Gray.
Reacting to the tribute, Vanderpump Rules cast member Scheana Shay wrote: “Sending y’all so much love. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.”
“So sad to hear it,” wrote recently new dad Andy Cohen as Real Housewife of Beverly Hills’ Kyle Richards added, “I am SO SO sorry to hear this. Sending love and light to all of you.”
Camille Grammer also wrote: “So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and Slade. Heaven has another angel.”
“@gretchenrossi sending you and Slade our sincere condolences and prayers for your loss. We [love] you guys xoxo,” wrote another fan, as someone else said, “I am so very sorry for your loss gretch. May he rest in peace and may you be comforted by his memories.”
Gretchen gave birth to her daughter Skylar in 2019, and revealed that they’d chosen Grayson as their daughter’s middle name, after her step-brother.
“One day, we both kind of looked at each other and started thinking about his son, Grayson, who is sick,” she explained. “And he has been this, just, angel on earth. And he’s this little unbreakable, amazing little man.”
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