Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson revealed that her son, Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring, died unexpectedly last weekend at the age of 35.
She announced the news on Instagram, along with numerous family photos over the years, including the ones together, with his siblings and daughter.
“It is with a broken heart that I write this message to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth on Easter Sunday,” she wrote on her Instagram. “No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss.”
After his death, the former model said that “every fiber in her body hurts.”
“Josh has been fighting for his life every day for most of his adult life, but last 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 last weekend at age 36 (seen in 2018)
“It is with a broken heart that I write this message to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth on 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, jokes, athletics, snowboarding, mountain bodyboarding, reading, friends and his love of music.”
Despite saying he struggled with the hardships of adulthood, Peterson said her son always maintained his sense of humor and optimism and “remained kind to others.”
She also described Josh as someone who “defended those who couldn’t defend themselves and continued to love his family so much.”
“He received the greatest joy, pride and purpose from his daughter Kennady and from watching her grow and blossom over the years,” she added. “Thank you to all the people who tried to help Josh along the way. I witness many Angels on earth.’
She then eluded to the fact that he struggled with substance abuse, as she thanked other parents who shared their stories with her who were “sadly lost to this disease.”
“Josh, I love you so much and I will miss you terribly!” she concluded. “My heart is with you and I pray that you have found the peace you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have finally gained your freedom, sweet boy.”
His death comes just four months after his 35th birthday on December 20.
Her comments section was flooded with supportive messages, including condolence messages from her RHOC castmates Heather McDonald and Gretchen Rossi.
After his death, the former model said that ‘every fiber in’ her ‘body hurts’
“Josh has been fighting for his life every day for most of his adult life, but last Sunday the challenge was too great,” Peterson told her more than 111,000 Instagram followers
“Oh Laurie, my heart breaks so much for you. I know how much you fought for him and that you always only wanted the best for him,” said 45-year-old Rossi. ‘May the Lord surround you with His angels and give you strength during this incredibly difficult loss. I love you friend 
’
McDonald wrote under the slideshow that Waring was “so lucky to have a mother who never gave up.”
Jo De La Rosa Gray, who also stars on Real Housewives of Orange County, told her co-star that she was “so incredibly sorry” for her loss.
“Sending you all my love and praying for your heart. Here if you need anything,” the Bravo star reminded her friend.
Eileen Davidson wrote: “I’m so sorry Lauri. I love you and your family.’
