The cause of death of Josh Waring, son of Laura Peterson, has been confirmed.
According to TMZ, the Orange County Sheriff and Coroner’s Department has ruled Waring’s death an accident due to the use of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and olanzapine (an antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia).
PEOPLE has reached out to representatives of the Orange County Sheriff and Coroner for comment.
In a post she shared on her Instagram account on April 6, the ex The Real Housewives of Orange County a cast member announced that Waring died on March 31 at the age of 35. “It is with a broken heart that I am writing this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth on Easter Sunday,” Peterson, 63, previously wrote.
The heartbreaking carousel post included photos from Waring’s childhood, snaps of him and his daughter Kennady, and a photo of Peterson and Waring at her 2007 wedding.
RHOC Alum Lauri Peterson announces son Josh Waring’s death at 35: ‘Every fiber in my body hurts’
Laura Peterson/Instagram
“No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such profound loss,” the former Bravo personality continued in the caption of her post.
Peterson also mentioned that Waring “has been fighting every day for most of his adult life, for his life,” adding that “last Sunday, the challenge was too great.”
“He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter, Kennady, and watching her grow and thrive over the years,” she concluded.
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Three years after Kennady was born in 2012, he is officially a former reality TV star she adopted her granddaughter in 2015 while Waring and his then-wife continued to deal with their own issues.
“Not everyone understands those who suffer from substance abuse disorders, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you had on his life,” Peterson told Bravo’s The Daily Dish in October 2015.
Chris McPherson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty
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Commenters on Peterson’s tribute to her late son offered support and guidance for the former Bravolebrity and her loved ones. “I lost two sons on the same day in April 2016 to fentanyl. I know this pain so well. I’m very very sorry,” wrote one user.
Peterson RHOC the community also gave their support on the post. “Lauri, this is so heartbreaking. A prayer for peace and comfort for you and your family. I can’t even imagine such a loss. My heart aches for you and what you’ve been through all these years. You are a great mom. Sending you a big hug and all my love and prayers. ♥️♥️♥️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼”, commented Lizzie Rovsek.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education