Matt Byars, who appeared as Karen Huger’s right-hand man on multiple seasons of The Real Housewives of Potomac, has passed away at 37.
The Real Housewives of Potomac family is mourning the loss of a beloved friend.
Matt Byars, who appeared on multiple seasons of the Bravo series as Karen Huger‘s assistant and all-around right-hand man, has passed away. He was 37.
The manner and cause of his death have not been confirmed.
Many Bravo stars who knew Matt took to social media to mourn the talent manager’s death.
“I’m sure many of you have heard about the unfortunate news that Matt Byars has passed away,” RHOP‘s Ashley Darby shared in a tearful Instagram Story Nov. 22. “If you can, please reach out to Karen Huger. She and Matt were very close. I think Karen’s known Matt, I want to say, since either middle school or high school. So, it’s been a very long time, and it is very important that we check on our friends. Everyone is going through something, and I acknowledge that. And sometimes it’s just too much to bear, unfortunately, for some of us.”
Ashley’s former costar Charrisse Jackson-Jordan simply wrote, “Rest in Peace,” with a photo of her and Matt on Instagram. Meanwhile, The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Melissa Gorga shared a much lengthier tribute.
“I’m heartbroken,” Melissa wrote on Instagram. “Your personality was infectious. Your jokes- you always had them. You should have done stand up- I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt . Because earlier this week you didn’t tell me.”
Melissa went on to reminisce about how Matt supported her during her very first live performance of her single “On Display” over a decade ago.
“WE ARE LOYAL,” she continued. “They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories. Go fly—Go make them laugh.”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta‘s Cynthia Bailey shared similar sentiments on Instagram.
“So deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend passing yesterday,” she wrote
Nov. 22. “Thank you Matt for all the beautiful memories. Way too many to share. I will never forget the laughter [and] love we shared. I will miss you my friend. Stay in the light. I love you. Sending my most heartfelt condolences to the family [and] friends. Just know that he was so loved by many.”
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While he appeared on many episodes of Potomac, Matt is probably best known for being featured in the iconic season three scene in which Karen held a press conference to clear up rumors about her finances with her costars.
Karen has yet to speak out publicly about Matt’s passing.
