In a heartbreaking announcement, Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lauri Peterson shared the tragic news of her son's passing. Josh Waring, aged 35, died on Easter Sunday, leaving behind a shattered heart and a community mourning the loss. The official cause of his death has not been revealed, but Peterson alluded to his ongoing struggles with substance abuse.

Taking to Instagram, Peterson shared her grief with followers, expressing her profound sadness over losing her beloved son. She described Josh as someone who battled every day, fighting relentlessly for his life. However, on that fateful Sunday, the challenges became insurmountable.

Reflecting on happier times, Peterson fondly reminisced about Josh's childhood, which was featured on the Bravo reality series. She highlighted his deep intellect, sense of humor, athleticism, and love for various activities, including snowboarding, bodyboarding, and mountain hikes. Despite facing hardships as an adult, Josh maintained his sense of humor, optimism, and kindness towards others. He also passionately defended those who couldn't defend themselves and had an unwavering love for his family.

In the face of Josh's struggles, Peterson extended her gratitude to the "angels on Earth" and all those who had tried to help him throughout his life. She thanked families who openly shared their own experiences with substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and offering support to those in need. Peterson concluded her heartfelt message by expressing hope that Josh had found the peace he deserved.

The news of Josh's passing has drawn condolences from various individuals, including Bravo boss Andy Cohen. In response to Peterson's post, Cohen expressed deep sorrow, praising her efforts to save her son's life and educate others about the devastating impact of addiction. He offered his love and support to Peterson and her family, hoping that Josh's memory would serve as a blessing.

TVLine has reached out to Bravo for comment on this tragic loss, but no response from the network has been received at this time.

The passing of Josh Waring, a beloved son, has brought immense sadness to the Real Housewives of Orange County community and beyond. As his family and friends mourn his loss, the hope remains that his story will continue to shed light on the struggles of addiction and inspire others to seek help and support.