Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson revealed her son, Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring, died unexpectedly, at the age of 35, last weekend.
She announced the news on Instagram, alongside numerous family photos over the years, including them together, with his siblings and daughter.
‘It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday,’ she wrote on her Instagram. ‘No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss.’
Following his passing, the former model said ‘every fiber in’ her ‘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,’ Peterson told her more than 111,000 Instagram followers.
Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson revealed her son, Josh, died at age 36 last weekend (seen in 2018)
‘It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday,’ she wrote on her Instagram. ‘No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss’
The TV personality continued: ‘Josh’s childhood was filled with deep intellect, humor, pranks, athletics, snow boarding, body boarding mountain hikes, reading, friends and his love for music.’
Despite saying he struggled with adult hardships, Peterson said her son always maintained his sense of humor, optimism and ‘continued to be kind to others.’
She also described Josh as someone who ‘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,’ she added. ‘Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth.’
She proceeded to eluded that he struggled with substance abuse as she thanked other parents that have shared their stories with her that ‘sadly lost due to this illness.’
‘Josh I love you so much and I will miss you terribly!’ she concluded. ‘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.’
His death comes just four months after his 35th birthday on December 20.
Following his passing, the former model said ‘every fiber in’ her ‘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,’ Peterson told her more than 111,000 Instagram followers