Lauri Peterson has been praised for fighting "alongside" her son Josh Waring in his battle with addiction before his death at the age of 35.
Lauri's daughter Ashley Zarlin has confirmed her brother was in the "relentless grip of addiction" before his death on Easter Sunday. Ashley praised her mum for her "unwavering love and tireless efforts" to support her brother and called for healthcare reform after he was "failed" several times before his death.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri confirmed the devastating news of her son's death on social media yesterday. Adding her own tribute, Ashley wrote: "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.
READ MORE: Real Housewives star Lauri Peterson's son Josh Waring's tumultuous life before his death at 35
Josh Waring is survived by his young daughter (lauri_peterson/Instagram)
Lauri has been praised for supporting her son in his battle with addiction (Bravo/NBCUniversal via Getty Ima) "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. 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.
"I mourn not only for the loss of my brother but also for the countless others who have been failed by a system that should have been their lifeline. Their stories, like his, are a reminder of the urgent need for change, for reform, for a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion and support above all else. Our healthcare system is riddled with shortcomings and limitations, and failed him time and again. I pray for a world where compassion and effective support systems replace judgment and neglect, so that others may find the help they desperately need.
"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 xo Smash."
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Ashley's mum Lauri also took to Instagram to share the tragic news in a lengthy statement.
Revealing the news through a "shattered heart" she wrote: "My sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday. No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber 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."
Many of Lauri's former cast members took to the comments section to share their sorrow and pass on messages of condolence. Among them was Gretchen Rossi who penned: "Oh Lauri, 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."
Former co-star Jo De La Rosa Gray also sent an emotional message and said: "Sending you all my love and praying for your heart. Here if you need anything."
Real Housewives host Andy Cohen also responded, writing: "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."
Josh is survived survived by his parents, sisters Ashley and Sophie, and his young daughter.
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