Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson says her heart is “shattered” after the death of her son Josh Waring, who has died aged 35.
In an emotional statement posted to her Instagram page, Lauri said: “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 fibre 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, humour, pranks, athletics, snow boarding, body boarding mountain hikes, reading, friends and his love for music.
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“Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humour, 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! He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years.”
(Image: Lauri Peterson/Instagram)
Josh struggled with substance abuse and spent time in the Orange County Jail over an alleged 2016 shooting, where he was assaulted by another inmate wielding razor blades. The attack was caught on camera.
In 2022 he was jailed for two years after violating his release terms, pleading guilty to various misdemeanours including possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell.
Sadly Josh’s battle continued, and in February 2024 he was arrested again after an alleged assault at a medical centre.
(Image: lauri_peterson/Instagram)
Now his grieving mum has thanked friends and family for their support, adding: “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.”
“Josh I love you so much and I will miss you terribly! I will forever be your ‘Mama Bear & Mama Dukes’ and every time the clock turns to 11:11, I will expect your call to tell me to make a wish! What will I wish for now?
(Image: Bravo/NBCUniversal via Getty Ima)
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“My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have gained your freedom at last sweet boy. Love always and forever, Mom. Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring 12/20/88-3/31/24.”
Lauri’s friends and fans soon rushed to offer their condolences, with her co-star Gretchen Rossi writing: “Oh Laurie, my heart breaks for you so much. I know how much you fought for him and always wanted nothing but the best for him. May the Lord surround you with his angels and give you strength through this incredibly hard loss. I love you friend.”
Talk show host Andy Cohen was also on hand to offer support, penning: “Lauri I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking. You tried so hard to save him, and by sharing Josh’s story you would 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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
