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Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi announced the death of her stepson Grayson on Tuesday.
The reality TV star, 44, took to Instagram to share about the ‘unbearable’ loss of Grayson, who passed on Sunday at age 22, following a long battle with brain cancer.
In her post she shared a number of touching photos, including some of Grayson and his father – her partner – Slade Smiley, 49.
‘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,’ she began the caption.
‘We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being.’
Heartbreaking: Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi announced the death of her stepson Grayson Alexander on Tuesday
‘Unbearable’: The reality TV star, 44, took to Instagram to share about the ‘unbearable’ loss of Grayson, who passed on Sunday at age 22, following a long battle with brain cancer
‘He was an Angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one has ever seen before. He fought everyday through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances,’ she went on.
‘He was a true beacon of light and hope,’ the star added.
‘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.’
‘May the Lord hold him in his hands, renew his broken body, and give him life again.’
At the end of the touching post she wrote: ‘This isn’t goodbye but rather see you soon little man…..We love you Grayson. You will forever be in our hearts. Love your Dad, Gretchen & your sister Skylar Gray.’
‘Please respect our privacy as we mourn this unbearable loss,’ Gretchen added at the bottom of the caption.
Rossi’s other half, Slade — whom she’s been with for 13 years — shared Grayson with his ex-wife Michelle Arroyo.
Tender memories: In her post she shared a number of touching photos, including some of Grayson and his father – her partner – Slade Smiley, 49
Devastated: ‘We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being,’ she wrote in the caption
A fighter: ‘He was an Angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one has ever seen before. He fought everyday through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things’
His boy: Rossi’s other half, Slade — whom she’s been with for 13 years — shared Grayson with his ex-wife Michelle Arroyo
Sweet: Another touching snap saw the father and son duo smiling at the camera as they embraced
Rossi – who appeared in RHOC from Season 4 to Season 8 – and Smiley share daughter Skylar Gray, 3, together, whom they welcomed after a lengthy IVF journey. Skylar’s middle name is in honor of her stepbrother Grayson.
Grayson’s mom also confirmed the news on her social media.
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Arroyo shared that Grayson had been doing better following a string of infections, fevers and low potassium which she said ‘most likely took a toll on my sweet boys heart.’
However she wrote that on Sunday, ‘his heart stopped here at home’ and she performed ‘chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over.’
The paramedics were able to bring him back and ‘when he left for the hospital he looked good and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again at the hospital.’
‘I’m still in shock and going through the motions of dealing with all the details. I know Gray is playing cards with Gramma and playing Trouble with our beloved Diane. His dog Mo is right at his side as he never left him,’ she added.
Rossi’s 978k friends and followers left their condolences underneath the post, with Bravo host Andy Cohen writing ‘So sad to hear it’ along with a red heart emoji.
RHOC star Heather Dubrow added, ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’ Jersey Shore’s JWoww wrote, ‘Oh no. I’m so incredibly sorry.’
Condolences: Rossi’s 978k friends and followers left their condolences underneath the post, with Bravo host Andy Cohen writing ‘So sad to hear it’ along with a red heart emoji
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards wrote, ‘I am SO SO sorry to hear this. Sending love and light to all of you’
RHOC star Heather Dubrow added, ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you all’
Jersey Shore’s JWoww wrote, ‘Oh no. I’m so incredibly sorry’
Selling Sunset star Heather Rae Young commented: ‘sending so much love to you and the family’
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak-Biermann wrote, ‘I am so sorry for your love. So devastating. Im sending tons of prayers and love your way. Love you guys’
Abigail Ratchford expressed her sympathies as well: ‘So sorry for your loss ❤️ May God welcome him with open arms’
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards wrote, ‘I am SO SO sorry to hear this. Sending love and light to all of you.’
Selling Sunset star Heather Rae Young commented: ‘sending so much love to you and the family.’
Vanderpump Rules’ Scheana Shay wrote, ‘Sending y’all so much love. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.’
Rossi also received condolences from Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, who wrote ‘I am so sorry for your love. So devastating. Im sending tons of prayers and love your way. Love you guys.’
Abigail Ratchford expressed her sympathies as well: ‘So sorry for your loss ❤️ May God welcome him with open arms.’
Grayson’s mom also confirmed the news on her social media and shared that he had been doing better following a string of infections, fevers and low potassium which she said ‘most likely took a toll on my sweet boys heart’
However she wrote that on Sunday, ‘his heart stopped here at home’ and she performed ‘chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over’
Gone too soon: The paramedics were able to bring him back and ‘when he left for the hospital he looked good and was breathing on his own but his heart gave out again at the hospital’
