Karen Huger and Matthew Byars Courtesy of Matthew Byars/Instagram
Bravo’s biggest names are coming together to mourn the death of The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger’s friend Matthew Byars.
Byars died on Thursday, November 21, according to multiple reports. He was 37. Per The Sun, Byars died of suicide.
Housewives fans got to know Byars for his appearances on RHOP over the years. Byars was Huger’s assistant on the series and a close personal friend. He cemented his Bravo legacy with his iconic press conference moment with Huger, 61, in RHOP season 3. The moment was meant for Huger to address her financial situation but quickly turned into a heated roundtable with her fellow Housewives.
After news broke of Byars’ passing on Friday, November 22, many Bravo stars including Melissa Gorga, Ashley Darby, Cynthia Bailey and more reacted to his death.
Keep scrolling to see the touching tributes made in Byars’ honor:
Ashley Darby
The RHOP star shared a video reacting to news of Byars’ death and encouraged fans to send condolences to 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, you know, it is very important that we check on our friends,” Darby said in a Friday Instagram Story video. “Everyone is going through something, and I acknowledge that. And sometimes it’s just too much to bear, unfortunately, for some of us.”
Charrisse Jackson-Jordan
The RHOP alum shared a photo of her and Byars writing, “Rest in Peace” via her Instagram Story.
Cynthia Bailey
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star paid tribute to Byars with a sweet post.
“So deeply saddened by the news of my longtime friend @officialmattbyars passing yesterday. Thank you Matt for all the beautiful memories, Way too many to share. I will never forget the laughter & love we shared,” she wrote via Instagram on Friday. “ I will miss you my friend. Stay in the light. I love you.🤍”
Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi
The Shahs of Sunset star posted a throwback pic of her and Byars and opened up about their close bond.
“Oh Matt … I’m so sorry this world failed you. You were always a shining light of optimism and humor. You were one of the first people I started working with when I started TV and you always stayed by my side to make sure I was OK. We were both young and always ready for fun!” she penned. “To know you was to love you. God, I wish I knew… I wish I called you and checked in on you more. I’m so sorry. You have left this world a better place and have touched so many people’s lives with your love and loyalty. I’m so sorry, Matt Byars. I truly hope we cross paths again. So until then, my friend … until then.”
Melissa Gorga
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star shared a video montage of moments of her and Byars over the years.
“I’m heartbroken. Your personality was infectious,” she captioned the Instagram Reel. “Your jokes — you always had them. You should have done stand-up — I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt.”
Several other Housewives took to Gorga’s comments section to reflect on the time they shared with Byars.
“So heartbroken and devastated, I can’t believe this is true. We were together the last two weeks,” Margaret Josephs replied. “Matty B the sweetest soul forever in our hearts we love you 🙏💔🕊️.”
Dolores Catania and Rachel Fuda sent their condolences to Gorga knowing that the pair were close.