'RHOC' alum Slade Smiley's ex-wife Michelle 'still in shock' as cancer-stricken son Grayson, 22, dies
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: The 'Real Housewives of Orange County' alum Slade Smiley's son Grayson Smiley died on Sunday. Grayson's mother Michelle Arroyo and Slade's ex-wife shared the heart-wrenching news on social media, saying, "I’m heartbroken to share that my sweet Gray passed away Sunday night."
Grayson was suffering from diarrhea and Michelle had earlier said that her son was slowly recovering. And now, his death came as a shock to everyone in the family. His heartbeat started dropping out of nowhere leading to the cause of his death. Grayson had been struggling with cancer since 2006. He was 22 years old.
RELATED ARTICLES
‘Real Housewives of Orange County’: Name-calling and body shaming hit at an all-time high
When is 'Real Housewives of Orange County' Season 17 releasing? Familiar faces return with new drama
'It was very unexpected'
Grayson's mother shared an emotional note on social media, revealing the loss of her son. She explained the death of Grayson to be unexpected for the family. "It was very unexpected as last week he had CSF drawn from his shunts and they adjusted the valve setting of his shunt and he was doing much better," wrote Michelle. She further detailed that they were giving him potassium three times a day because of the dropping condition. However, there was no improvement in the condition.
Michelle shared, "His heart stopped here at home and I performed chest compressions to get it going until the paramedics arrived and took over." As Grayson was taken to the hospital he looked good and was claimed to have been breathing on his own. But as soon as he arrived in the hospital his heart gave out again. Michelle shares, "I don’t have all the answers now, but I do know that the last few months with fevers, infection and low potassium most likely took a toll on my sweet boy's heart." Grayson's family is in huge shock by the loss. Michelle ends the post by saying, "I’m still in shock and going through the motions of dealing with all the details. I know Gray is playing cards with Gramma and playing Trouble with our beloved Diane. His dog Mo is right at his side as he never left him."
'Truly touched so many lives'
Nikki Leonti felt sorry for the loss of Grayson's family. She commented on the post, "Michelle, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brave and heroic son. Your bravery and unwavering determination to love and care for him, extended and bettered his life by 100%. You gave him a chance to have a real experience of loving and changing lives in this world. I admire you and hope to even get close to the bar you’ve set as a mother. You’re a hero and we are all better as people because of you and Gray." A fan commented, "Sending love." "I love you, the best Mom of all time. Whatever you need, the incredible community that you have built with your pure and honest story please know that we are here for you," wrote another fan.
A fan consoled Michelle for her loss, "Oh my gosh…. Wow…. Heartbreaking news! I have never met you or your sweet son, but have followed his story, and read every update. I can’t say why - but I kept him In my prayers… a stranger I was drawn too! Thank you for sharing your son with so many… he truly touched so many lives! I will keep you in my prayers!"
Slade Smiley's fiancee Gretchen Rossi also mourned the death of Grayson
Slade's fiancee and former 'RHOC' star Gretchen Rossi also shared the emotional note on social media amid the death of Grayson. She shared a slew of photos of Grayson with his father. The star captioned the photo, "Our rational minds told us this day might come, but our hearts always held onto the hope that this day would not come to fruition." She added, "We are beyond devastated and heartbroken over the loss off Gray. Grayson Arroyo-Smiley was such a special human being."
Gretchen further claimed Grayson was a warrior. She wrote, "He was an Angel on this earth and an incredible warrior…a warrior like no one has ever seen before. He fought every day through his pain and discomfort to find joy in the smallest of things. He was always singing & dancing & laughing despite his circumstances." Although Grayson's life was cut short he made a great impact on his family. Gretchen ended the post by asking fans to respect the family's privacy.